wind down

verb

Definition of wind downnext
as in to relax
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety not being one for alcoholic beverages, I prefer to wind down with a cup of tea every night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 wind down The first half of 2026 kept up that pace, with Indian theaters logging their best opening six months since the pandemic era began winding down and with Hindi films collecting $295 million. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026 Summer is winding down, and a new catalyst is on the horizon in the form of midterm elections. — Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The trial of Lindsay Clancy — the Massachusetts woman who killed her three young children before trying to die by suicide in 2023 — is winding down but has gripped the nation over the past month. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 While many crops are winding down in October and November, saffron flowers begin to emerge. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wind down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wind down
  1. relax
  2. chill out
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
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

windbreaks
wind down
windfall
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wind down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wind%20down. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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