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Definitions

exhale

[eks-heyl, ek-seyl] / ɛksˈheɪl, ɛkˈseɪl /
VERB
breathe out
Synonyms
STRONGEST
breathe emit give off let out
STRONG
discharge eject emanate evaporate expel issue respire steam vaporize
Antonyms
STRONG
hold keep take in
WEAK
breathe in inhale

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her children sometimes struggle with anxiety at bedtime, and Judd has taught them to breathe using a shorter in-breath and a longer exhale to help calm them.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

For many Americans, retirement is supposed to be a financial exhale.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

“My goal right now is to just exhale; recover, kind of get myself together. I’ve been sprinting hard for many, many years and it will be nice to kind of recharge,” Bostic said.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

Here, Mr. Bryan takes a moment to exhale.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 13, 2026

I exhale and continue to say a few more words about Malala and her incredibly journey, her fund and efforts to promote education, and her first visit back to her country.

From "Amina's Song" by Hena Khan