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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of relaxing
Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Designed for both entertaining and relaxing, floor-to-ceiling glass walls open up to a 360-degree terrace with stunning views over Hampstead Heath.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
The overall design feels more luxury lifestyle than clinical chic—a knack that few spas have achieved so successfully, which means this is a much more relaxing place than many rivals.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Both decor and a relaxing activity, Lego flowers have a loyal fanbase.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
The ocean is invigorating, but the lake is so relaxing and accessible.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Pack a picnic to bring to the shore for a relaxing lunch.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
At resort hotels like Rancho Las Palmas, Tiki Social is a relaxing spot for cool drinks or dinner as the evening temperature dips under 100.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
Nestled right in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood, this two-bedroom Magic Cottage will give you a taste of Victorian flair with its original architectural details and two living rooms (one for relaxing, and another for pre-dinner drinks).
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
A lot of the focus for Merrill has been on relaxing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Richards, who began relaxing her hair at 13-years-old, echoes this.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026
Boox has also recently released a Bluetooth page-turner called Tappy, which lets users turn ebook pages remotely – ideal for reading in bed, when multitasking like when cooking or relaxing in the bath.
—New Atlas, 29 May 2026
If Dad loves to spend time relaxing, this also makes for a great Father's Day gift.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
According to Calgary, 21% of responders top answer when defining an ideal slow Sunday was reading or relaxing at home.
—Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Join DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, and Perrito for the feline festivities — including meet and greets, attractions like Swings Over Del Mar and an interactive puppet show, classic carnival games, delicious food, and a relaxing sensory garden.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
Adjective
Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Serving as another integral room of your home, keeping your living room clutter-free is crucial for creating a relaxing atmosphere.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 28 May 2026
Designed for both entertaining and relaxing, floor-to-ceiling glass walls open up to a 360-degree terrace with stunning views over Hampstead Heath.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
The overall design feels more luxury lifestyle than clinical chic—a knack that few spas have achieved so successfully, which means this is a much more relaxing place than many rivals.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026
Both decor and a relaxing activity, Lego flowers have a loyal fanbase.
—Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
The ocean is invigorating, but the lake is so relaxing and accessible.
—Kelly Ryan Kegans, Midwest Living, 22 May 2026
Pack a picnic to bring to the shore for a relaxing lunch.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
At resort hotels like Rancho Las Palmas, Tiki Social is a relaxing spot for cool drinks or dinner as the evening temperature dips under 100.
—Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Verb
In the Executive and Premier One-Bedroom Suites, a separate living room adds a place for gathering or relaxing while someone else is asleep.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
Nestled right in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood, this two-bedroom Magic Cottage will give you a taste of Victorian flair with its original architectural details and two living rooms (one for relaxing, and another for pre-dinner drinks).
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
A lot of the focus for Merrill has been on relaxing.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2026
Richards, who began relaxing her hair at 13-years-old, echoes this.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026
Boox has also recently released a Bluetooth page-turner called Tappy, which lets users turn ebook pages remotely – ideal for reading in bed, when multitasking like when cooking or relaxing in the bath.
—New Atlas, 29 May 2026
If Dad loves to spend time relaxing, this also makes for a great Father's Day gift.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
According to Calgary, 21% of responders top answer when defining an ideal slow Sunday was reading or relaxing at home.
—Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026
Join DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots, Mama Luna, and Perrito for the feline festivities — including meet and greets, attractions like Swings Over Del Mar and an interactive puppet show, classic carnival games, delicious food, and a relaxing sensory garden.
—Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
Adjective
-
That palms-together, head-bobbing, smiling Thai service creates the most soothing, de-stressing atmosphere.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
The formula also uses AnnonaSense, ceramides, glycerin and shea butter, among other soothing ingredients, to hydrate and retain moisture, while also working to help neutralize visible redness.—
Rachel Burchfield,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
For longer storage, ripe tomatoes can be kept in the refrigerator, but note that chilling can dull their flavor and change their texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
22 May 2026
-
After chilling overnight, the patties are seared on a flattop to medium-rare for a crispy, peppery crust and smoky, juicy interior.—
Sam Flemming,
AJC.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
The deal could generate tens of billions of dollars in revenue, loosening Nvidia's grip on the market in the process.—
Emma Hinchliffe,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
-
The results suggest a broad surge in support for loosening restrictions on research into substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to probe their potential for medical use.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Suitable gifts for this guy—a barbecue blanket for resting meats, or a selection of dry rubs geared to smoking.—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
-
Once onboard your pet, both male and female fleas feed at the first opportunity, typically when your pet is resting, says Benson.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In some cases, the cost of unwinding those decisions outweighed the initial benefits.—
Gary Galstyan,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Discover the tranquility of Cuyama Valley, with its scenic landscapes and historic charm, perfect for unwinding.—
Chelsee Lowe,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
For now, Harris is mostly basking in the warm glow of supporters at events and fielding petitions from candidates seeking her support and circling up with the small team of advisers she’s kept with her as a civilian.—
Aidan McLaughlin,
Vanity Fair,
21 May 2026
-
Days are spent basking on the hotel's private plage, going for a swim when the mood suits.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
18 May 2026
Adjective
-
Bereaved individuals have often told me that hearing other people’s memories of the person who died can be deeply comforting.—
Julie Kaplow,
USA Today,
30 May 2026
-
The show's plot revolves around tropes that are intentionally comforting and formulaic—fake dating, jock meets girl next door, and opposites attract—and evidently, the styling follows suit.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
The better reason to stay here is to spend three days decompressing.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
-
There's still some decompressing to do.—
Ren Clayton,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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