relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
ri-ˌlak-
especially British ˌre-lək-
Synonyms of relaxationnext
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : diversion
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

Synonyms of relaxation

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Examples of relaxation in a Sentence

I like to play the guitar for relaxation. What I need is some rest and relaxation.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Standards Did Not Move Gould has consistently separated the expansion of chartering from any relaxation of standards, and his own statements draw the line clearly. — Aj Dhaliwal, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The otherwise natural tones and all-white bedding make for an eye-catching atmosphere that still lends well to relaxation. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 This relaxation of the rules thus allows certain distant male relatives who are over 15 years old and unmarried to rejoin the imperial family. — Séraphine Roger, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 When the leaves start to turn, though, the town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. — Taryn Shorr-McKee, Midwest Living, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxation was in 1548

Phrases Containing relaxation

Rhymes for relaxation

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Browse Nearby Words

relaxate
relaxation
relaxation oscillation
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Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​ation
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, 
ri-
1
: the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing activity or pastime
play the guitar as a relaxation
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

Medical Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​a·​tion
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-ˌlak-, especially British ˌrel-ək-
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
maximal abdominal relaxation was not evident until at least five minutes after the injection—Lancet
2
: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber
especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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