relax

verb

ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
Definition of relaxnext
1
as in to unwind
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to loosen
to make less taut relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to bask
to refrain from labor or exertion I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn

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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 relax New styles for men include relaxed straight painter jeans, baggy cargo and barrel fits and low-rise baggy jeans with drawstring waists. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026 The singer stretched out across the surface with her arms relaxed at her sides as the blue water filled the frame. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Just find the moon at the right time, then simply sit back, relax and enjoy the show. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026 The league’s fans like the fun, relaxing atmosphere, says Brian Sheehy, a former history teacher who serves as president of the Essex Base Ball Organization. — Kelenna Onukwugha, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relax
  1. chill
  2. loosen
  3. bask
  4. unwind
  5. rest
  6. decompress
  7. wind down
  8. chill out
Verb
  • After all, the threat of punishing a school for signing a player could have the effect of chilling a market for that player and thereby harm him.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • When your drink is halfway done, a server will swap out your glass for a fresh one chilled to 5 degrees.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of chill
Verb
  • Stein attributed the drop to a lengthening backlog for accounts receivable as Nvidia has loosened payment terms for its many backstopping deals.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Vinegar and baking soda effectively loosen and remove stubborn grease.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosen
Verb
  • Running until mid-October, the ride is an excellent way to bask in New England’s autumnal glory and drops passengers off right at the resort’s Cliff House Restaurant for a scenic meal.
    — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026
  • And then to bask in that confinement, in not having to worry about lunch or dinner or changing the sheets.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of bask
Verb
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that Walter has been trying to unwind portions of his empire amid the investigation, potentially also including the Dodgers and Cadillac’s Formula One operation.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Each room is thoughtfully designed for travelers looking to unwind—luxurious beds, tasteful lighting, boho-minimal decor, and plentiful smart storage.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwind
Verb
  • Clancy’s mom had her arm resting on the back of the seat at times.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • From here, the choice is yours to sit, rest and enjoy the moon rise.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of rest
Verb
  • Repeatedly analyzing old conversations or unresolved issues isn’t getting you anywhere, so consider this an opportunity to take a step back and allow your mind to decompress.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Take breaks, organize with a support person, and allow yourself time to decompress after each session.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of decompress
Verb
  • Summertime is high season for garden flowers, but their color and vibrancy fades as the growing season winds down in fall.
    — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Though high temperatures should be winding down, a new analysis by Climate Central, an independent research organization found that fall is becoming warmer in the Kansas City area as summer heat lingers longer.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of wind down
Verb
  • Bavik keeps things classic, brewing with 100% malt and aroma hops, then letting the beer chill out for an extended cold maturation.
    — Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Others might love to chill out with a glass of red wine and listen to some great music.
    — Liz Johnson, USA Today, 29 July 2026
Definition of chill out

Browse Nearby Words

relaunching
relax
relaxant
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Cite this Entry

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

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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