DE-STRESS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

de-stress

verb

ˈdē-ˈstres

Definition of de-stress

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety he watches classic movie comedies as a way to de-stress

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of de-stress They are often marketed as a screen-free toy that can help kids, teens, and adults de-stress and focus. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026 The program aims to de-stress passengers, especially those traveling for difficult reasons. — Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 22 Mar. 2026 Progressive muscle relaxation helps with de-stressing by tapping into your mind-body connection. — Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026 In theory, any vacation is meant to help you de-stress, unwind, and recharge. — Opheli Garcia Lawler, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-stress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-stress

relax

Verb

Direct flights have resumed between India and China, a few old Silk Road trade routes have opened, and in March India relaxed rules around investment from Beijing.

— Evelyn Cheng,Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Fences, hedges, noise machines, and relaxing music can all help.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of relax

Browse Nearby Words

destitution

de-stress

de-stressed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“De-stress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-stress. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of de-stress

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes