relaxing 1 of 2

adjective

as in soothing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress a relaxing cup of chamomile tea

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

relaxing

2 of 2

verb

present participle of relax
1
as in chilling
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety she took deep breaths to relax before going on stage

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loosening
to make less taut relax the rope a bit so I can pick up the slack and tie this knot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in resting
to refrain from labor or exertion I just want to kick back and relax after mowing that huge lawn

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 relaxing
Adjective
The Spa The communal areas and treatment rooms at Life in Balance Spa underwent a top-to-bottom overhaul, so even a mani-pedi feels intensely relaxing. — Jessica Ritz, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 There will be no relaxing weekend for Broncos coaches and front office executives. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 My nail tech, Michelle, was extremely patient and accommodating throughout the process, and the entire experience was genuinely relaxing. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 These people are obviously crazy relaxing and being jovial like this. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Aug. 2026 The couple, along with their daughter Harper and their son Romeo, have been enjoying a relaxing trip around Europe this summer. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026 This hotel is worth it for the wonderfully relaxing vibes, stellar service, and top notch spa experiences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 Cozy enough for a relaxing Sunday dinner, yet special enough for entertaining. — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Grocery shopping for school-age kids is not a relaxing, easy-to-manage weekly chore. — Parents, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
But its real essence is pure escapism, whether dangling from a mountain while rappelling or relaxing in the impeccable spa with its energizing hammam rituals and fragrant frankincense oils. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 The primary bedroom is relaxing thanks to Quince bedding and a light fixture from Crate & Barrel. — Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 1 Sep. 2026 In fact, relaxing and enjoying the outdoors are the two non-culinary activities on the estate. — Brian Cicioni, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026 Instead, work on relaxing activities to slow down, such as showering and reading a story. — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Fences, hedges, noise machines, and relaxing music can all help. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026 And Paul Baker may be on the rocks with Issa based on how poorly their relaxing home date-night goes. — Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 With the arrival of the Michelin Guide into Fort Lauderdale in 2025 and openings of more upscale dining experiences, a neighborhood favorite like Wan’s is a relaxing respite from high prices. — Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026 Elsewhere on the grounds, formal and informal salas provide ample space for dining and relaxing, with meals prepared by a private chef. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for relaxing
  1. soothing
  2. chilling
  3. loosening
  4. resting
  5. comforting
  6. unwinding
  7. basking
  8. calming
Adjective
  • The formula packs green tea extract for soothing and antioxidant-rich rosehip oil for skin brightening.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Wind Features Kinetic wind features also create a focal point, and their rhythmic motion in the wind can be as soothing as that of a water feature.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of soothing
Verb
  • After all, the threat of punishing a school for signing a player could have the effect of chilling a market for that player and thereby harm him.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This isn’t André 3000’s first time chilling with Scoob and the gang.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of chilling
Verb
  • National conservatives, for instance, oppose loosening the United States’ ties with Israel and tolerating Chinese and Russian imperialism.
    — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026
  • So will a flood of 401(k) money, thanks to loosening rules about what investments belong in Americans’ retirement accounts.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosening
Verb
  • The increasing chances of being taken, whether one is in a church, mosque, school, on a trip to the capital Abuja or resting at home, is a grim reality that should not be the case given Tinubu’s firm campaign pledges.
    — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • And then there were polar bears again, this time resting quietly in the hills.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of resting
Adjective
  • The availability of my driver’s license to anyone willing to cough up a fee isn’t exactly a comforting thought.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • But fear not, Margo’s wig remains a comforting presence through it all.
    — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of comforting
Verb
  • Create a peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding before bed.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The lakefront pool and hot tub are perfect for unwinding together, and De La Nonna’s giant pizzas and firepit tables make family dinners easy and fun for the whole group.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of unwinding
Verb
  • After a summer spent outdoors basking in the sun, houseplants can struggle to adjust to life indoors.
    — Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The star took a break from basking in the sun and frolicking through the waves, lining up on the white sand in front of the ocean with her BFFs for a silly dance party.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of basking
Adjective
  • From humorous and whimsical to elegant and calming, the choice is yours.
    — Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The best way to make sure your words have a calming effect is to bend down to your child’s eye level, hold their hands in yours, and take a few deep breaths.
    — Francesca Castagnoli, Parents, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of calming

Browse Nearby Words

relaxes
relaxing
relay
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Cite this Entry

“Relaxing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/relaxing. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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