1
as in relaxation
freedom from activity or labor
the coming weekend will provide some much needed rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in resting
a natural periodic loss of consciousness during which the body restores itself
after a long day, I lay down on the couch for a little rest before dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in remainder
a remaining group or portion
can you hand me the rest of those papers?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to relax
to refrain from labor or exertion
a beach resort that caters to gung ho exercisers and athletes as well as vacationers who just want to rest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep
the patient is currently resting, but as soon as he awakes, I'll tell him you called
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 rest
Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Encryption is essential for protecting data at rest or in transit, and effective key management ensures only unauthorized users are blocked.
—Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Grip the skillet with your dominant hand, palm facing up, then hold a serving plate in your other hand and rest the lip of the skillet on the edge of the plate.
—Jeremiah Langhorne, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rest
Noun
Small rituals like these help lighten your energy and create more room for rest.
—Essence, 8 Sep. 2025
Encryption is essential for protecting data at rest or in transit, and effective key management ensures only unauthorized users are blocked.
—Camellia Chan, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
Waller, the Miami Dolphins’ top offensive addition this offseason, missed the media’s viewing portion of Thursday’s practice, which coach Mike McDaniel insinuated the veteran tight end was being rested Wednesday to ensure his participation.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Grip the skillet with your dominant hand, palm facing up, then hold a serving plate in your other hand and rest the lip of the skillet on the edge of the plate.
—Jeremiah Langhorne, Saveur, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rest
Verb
-
Spurs fans can now relax about that issue.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Plus, there’s a front porch and a second-story balcony to relax outdoors and host family and friends.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Council President Elliot Payne, who voted against the motion, said during the meeting that approximately 60 people are sleeping overnight at the encampment.—
Molly Parks,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The city that never sleeps provides endless opportunities for Black singles to connect.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This guide will give you the full scoop on when and how often to test soil, and provide soil testing tips for home and lab-based testing.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Sep. 2025
-
While the approach is based on science, the atmosphere is far from medicinal.—
Sherrie Nachman,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The most basic building block is that water temperatures reach their warmest levels after basking in summer’s heat.—
Chris Dolce,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Most families stay in vacation rentals on these islands and spend their time basking on the sand or exploring nature.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rest. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share