DECOMPRESSIONS Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

decompress 1 of 2

verb

ˌdē-kəm-ˈpres

Definition of decompress

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety after she gets home from work, she needs some time to decompress before preparing dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

decompression

2 of 2

noun

as in relaxation

freedom from activity or labor the waitstaff gets a welcome period of decompression between the lunch and dinner rushes

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 decompress

Verb

During his professional whirlwind the last handful of years, Cregger often decompresses with video games, and the Resident Evil franchise, particularly Resident Evil 4, has been one of his go-tos. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2026 Translation, these spaces are for meeting people, not just decompressing after work. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026

Noun

Severe cases or those not improved after four to six months of conservative therapy are typically offered surgical decompression, which can be done using endoscopic or open techniques. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026 Conventional scuba divers are constrained by strict depth and decompression limits, so a significant portion of every dive is spent descending, ascending, and waiting to return safely to the surface. — New Atlas, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for decompress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for decompress

relax

Verb

Potassium helps blood vessels relax, improving blood flow and helping lower blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2026
So after that, the Iranian government withdrew the morality police from the streets and relaxed the dress code.

— Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of relax

Browse Nearby Words

decomposition

decompress

decompressed

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Decompress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/decompress. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of decompress

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

jilt

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes