as in soothing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
a relaxing cup of chamomile tea
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in chilling
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loosening
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 resting
to refrain from labor or exertion
I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of relaxing
CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Ahead are 12 items to never bring on a flight, along with smart swaps that will make your next trip smoother, easier, and far more relaxing.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Due to the unpleasant taste of kava, many companies will blend their kava tea with other ingredients to add flavor and additional relaxing effects.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Besides adding flavor to roasted meats, soups, and potatoes, this aromatic shrub can add interest to flower beds, infuse your home with a fresh evergreen scent, complement a fresh flower arrangement, and make your bath more relaxing.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Other than that, hot water can be a relaxing treat at other points in the day.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 4 Feb. 2026
Stick to those consistent sleep and rise times, stay active, establish a relaxing pre-bed routine, and make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 30 Jan. 2026
Its relaxing, luxurious scent comes from its blend of rosemary, sage, lavender, and eucalyptus.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Designers say people are doubling down on soothing, relaxing, and cozy bedroom colors.
—Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
What does relaxing look like for an Olympic speedskater?
—Sean Nevin, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The design hugs the ankle before relaxing into a gentle slouch through the leg.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
While Botox — a purified neurotoxin — is widely used for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin, more experts are recommending it as a solution for jaw pain, clenching, teeth grinding, tension, and clicking.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 10 Feb. 2026
While there are many things North Carolina does well—including golf, barbecue, and beaches —quiet small towns and relaxing getaways are pretty close to the top of the list.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
The brand markets these slippers as perfect for any season or occasion, including the swimming pool and beach, relaxing around the house or for public showers and steam rooms.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
These collectible, blocky character builds hit the sweet spot between relaxing and rewarding, offering just enough of a challenge for a cozy night in and a display-ready payoff when you’re done.
—Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
After a long, illustrious investing career, others would enjoy a relaxing retirement, but Jim is devoted to giving back to his Club Members.
—CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
Ahead are 12 items to never bring on a flight, along with smart swaps that will make your next trip smoother, easier, and far more relaxing.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
Due to the unpleasant taste of kava, many companies will blend their kava tea with other ingredients to add flavor and additional relaxing effects.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Besides adding flavor to roasted meats, soups, and potatoes, this aromatic shrub can add interest to flower beds, infuse your home with a fresh evergreen scent, complement a fresh flower arrangement, and make your bath more relaxing.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
Other than that, hot water can be a relaxing treat at other points in the day.
—Julia Ries Wexler, Outside, 4 Feb. 2026
Stick to those consistent sleep and rise times, stay active, establish a relaxing pre-bed routine, and make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
—Jamie Ducharme, Health, 30 Jan. 2026
Its relaxing, luxurious scent comes from its blend of rosemary, sage, lavender, and eucalyptus.
—Melony Forcier, InStyle, 30 Jan. 2026
Designers say people are doubling down on soothing, relaxing, and cozy bedroom colors.
—Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
The food is also elevated a bit from the typical Mexican fare, making Perro Salado a great place for a date night, relaxing group dinner or anything in between.
—Will Richmond, The Providence Journal, 14 Feb. 2026
What does relaxing look like for an Olympic speedskater?
—Sean Nevin, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The design hugs the ankle before relaxing into a gentle slouch through the leg.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 10 Feb. 2026
While Botox — a purified neurotoxin — is widely used for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles by relaxing the muscles underneath the skin, more experts are recommending it as a solution for jaw pain, clenching, teeth grinding, tension, and clicking.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 10 Feb. 2026
While there are many things North Carolina does well—including golf, barbecue, and beaches —quiet small towns and relaxing getaways are pretty close to the top of the list.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
The brand markets these slippers as perfect for any season or occasion, including the swimming pool and beach, relaxing around the house or for public showers and steam rooms.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
These collectible, blocky character builds hit the sweet spot between relaxing and rewarding, offering just enough of a challenge for a cozy night in and a display-ready payoff when you’re done.
—Brittany Anas, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
Adjective
-
Instead of relying on strong acids or alcohol for oil control, Korean formulas prioritize hydration, soothing, and gentle brightening.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Feb. 2026
-
No dish is quite as soothing as a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Practices and games begin in January and expose players to harsh weather and unnecessary injuries while fans watch games in bone-chilling cold or do not attend at all.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Of course the main lobby restaurant, Le Jardin, which has icy buckets chilling wine and the near-constant scent of truffles in the air during its 24-hour service, is always packed.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There's also some evidence that cost discipline is loosening a bit.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Air quality regulations and programs are loosening their restrictions.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Keep the iron moving – never leave it resting in one spot.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Also, the lamp has been turned into a miniature homage to cubism (and its lampshade is hovering in the air, not resting on anything).—
Benjamin Lima,
Dallas Morning News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Berkshire Hathaway, under new CEO Greg Abel, has since taken a formal step toward unwinding its 28% stake in Kraft Heinz.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Hedge funds are unwinding their positions too.—
Bernard Goyder,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
And Camille, in turn, finds a new lease on life, basking in the glow of Olivier's obsessive admiration.—
Mike Miller,
Entertainment Weekly,
16 Feb. 2026
-
One of Bernhardt’s pets, Uriah, is the shop cat, and spends her days greeting and playing with customers and basking in the sunshine in her kitty hammock, which overlooks the parking lot from a plate glass window.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Cheesy drop biscuits make your typical chicken pot pie even more comforting.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This is the kind of creamy, comforting casserole that’s been quietly holding a spot on family dinner tables for generations.—
Maggie Meyer Glisan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The blend of flower extracts, among them jasmine, orchid, lavender, and blue lotus, lend the bath a floral fragrance—ideal for decompressing after a long day.—
Deanna Pai,
Vogue,
19 Jan. 2026
-
The shorter the line, the less likely there will be a melt down (and melt downs mean having to spend precious time decompressing someplace quiet, or possibly having to end the entire excursion early and going back to the hotel).—
Priscilla Blossom,
Parents,
2 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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