DECOMPRESSION Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

decompression

noun

as in relaxation

freedom from activity or labor the waitstaff gets a welcome period of decompression between the lunch and dinner rushes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 decompression Generally, a decompression of the marine layer is an indicator that a long stretch of heat may settle into the region and sometimes opens a window for winds blowing toward the ocean, increasing the fire danger. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 But patients with severe cases or no improvement after four to six months of conservative therapy should be offered surgical decompression, and endoscopic repair gets patients back to work an average of one week earlier than open surgery. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026 Severe cases or those not improved after four to six months of conservative therapy are typically offered surgical decompression, which can be done using endoscopic or open techniques. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 Ryanair disputed claims that its crew failed to respond, saying airline procedures require crew members to remain seated with seatbelts fastened and oxygen masks on during rapid decompression. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 22 July 2026 Conventional scuba divers are constrained by strict depth and decompression limits, so a significant portion of every dive is spent descending, ascending, and waiting to return safely to the surface. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026 Stacking up tiny, happy upgrades to your living room sanctuary makes this decompression routine a million times better. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026 Wheeler’s return from thoracic outlet decompression surgery has been crucial. — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 7 July 2026 An overnight stay requires no scuba and no decompression, just a staircase down into the reef—and $50,000. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompression

Noun

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
Ordering a drink can mark the start of a night out, signal relaxation or ease self-consciousness around other people.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of relaxation

Noun

Water, snacks, rest and weather conditions shape the schedule, with his well-being guiding each appearance.

— Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
When budgets tighten, the report finds consumers protect relationships, rest and personal growth first, cutting material purchases and discretionary splurges before anything tied to connection or well-being.

— Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of rest

Browse Nearby Words

decompressing

decompression

deconcentrate

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Decompression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompression. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of decompression

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

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

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

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

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

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

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

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

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes