DE-STRESSING Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

de-stressing

verb

present participle of de-stress

as in relaxing

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

tensing (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-stressing That palms-together, head-bobbing, smiling Thai service creates the most soothing, de-stressing atmosphere. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Progressive muscle relaxation helps with de-stressing by tapping into your mind-body connection. — Stefanie Groner, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026 This includes beauty and barber shops, gym and fitness studios, health and beauty spas and massage parlors — perfect for de-stressing after the holidays. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026 Between holiday gift shopping, party planning, and traveling, everyone could use a little de-stressing this time of the year. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-stressing

relaxing

Verb

At a little under two feet, the can’t-miss fixture spreads a warm light that creates a welcoming atmosphere for reading, relaxing, or sharing drinks without harsh overhead lighting or a spindly, corner-lurking, fluorescent presence.

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Aug. 2026
Julie Huntsinger has spent two decades as the guardian of the Telluride Film Festival — a jewel box of off-duty movie stars and power players relaxing in the mountains and a consequential launchpad for the fall awards season.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of relaxing

Browse Nearby Words

de-stresses

de-stressing

destroy

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of de-stressing

verb

Example Sentences

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