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Definitions

relax

[ri-laks] / rɪˈlæks /
VERB
be or feel at ease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
calm lie down loosen up recline sit back soften unwind
STRONG
laze repose rest tranquilize unbend unlax
WEAK
breathe easy calm down collect oneself compose oneself cool off ease off feel at home hang loose knock off let oneself go make oneself at home put one's feet up settle back simmer down sit around stop work take a break take a breather take it easy take one's time take ten take time out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agitate irritate worry
STRONG
be active energize
WEAK
excite grow increase tense
VERB
diminish, lessen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ease loosen lower modify reduce relieve slow weaken
STRONG
abate ebb loose mitigate moderate modulate remit slack slacken
WEAK
ease off lax let up lose speed slow down untighten
Antonyms
STRONGEST
grow increase raise strengthen
STRONG
incite intensify rise
WEAK
agitate excite tense worry

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.

We all need to relax, even for a moment.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

You can never quite relax, because you're always just waiting for the raise of the eyebrow, the suppressed guffaw, the uninvited joke, whatever.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

I know I’ll enjoy that night’s passage even while it helps me relax.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

By lowering levels of this protein, blood vessels are able to relax, leading to reduced blood pressure.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Natalie seemed to relax, and she smiled and took Akira’s hand.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Vocabulary lists containing relax

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