relaxation

noun

re·​lax·​a·​tion ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce relaxation (audio)
ri-ˌlak-
especially British ˌre-lək-
Synonyms of relaxationnext
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing or recreative state, activity, or pastime : diversion
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle fibers or muscles

Synonyms of relaxation

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Examples of relaxation in a Sentence

I like to play the guitar for relaxation. What I need is some rest and relaxation.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This might sound simple, but deep breathing delivers oxygen to our muscles, which helps elicit the body’s relaxation response. — Juli Fraga, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026 Additionally, the spa is one of the best in Orlando, featuring experiential showers, a sauna and steam room, a relaxation area, a private pool, and seven treatment rooms. — Megan Dubois, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 The Reathlete Spina-X Back massager's walking massage mechanism and high- and low-positioned massage heads are designed to target different areas of the body, while optional heat adds another layer of relaxation. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026 Back at the hotel, the calming interiors encourage proper rest and relaxation. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relaxation

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of relaxation was in 1548

Phrases Containing relaxation

Rhymes for relaxation

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Browse Nearby Words

relaxate
relaxation
relaxation oscillation
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Cite this Entry

“Relaxation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relaxation. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​ation
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, 
ri-
1
: the act of relaxing : the state of being relaxed
2
: a relaxing activity or pastime
play the guitar as a relaxation
3
: the lengthening that characterizes inactive muscle

Medical Definition

relaxation

noun
re·​lax·​a·​tion
ˌrē-ˌlak-ˈsā-shən, ri-ˌlak-, especially British ˌrel-ək-
1
: the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
maximal abdominal relaxation was not evident until at least five minutes after the injection—Lancet
2
: the reduction of contractile force in a muscle or muscle fiber
especially : the lengthening that typically characterizes inactive muscles or muscle fibers

More from Merriam-Webster on relaxation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relaxation

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