Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

I try to relax and come up with new ideas.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Between daily longhorn cattle drives, rodeos, live music, and plenty of low-key ways to relax, there’s always something going on.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The cells produced much less nitric oxide, which helps blood vessels relax and widen, and more endothelin-1, which causes vessels to tighten.

From Science Daily • Mar. 28, 2026

As a result, Italy - and other European nations - had to relax their quota regulations, which led to an influx of overseas players heading to Serie A towards the end of the century.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

Koffi pulled its billowing hood over her face, and her shoulders seemed to relax a bit.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.