Synonyms for

Relax

Verb / rɪˈlæks / / ri:ˈlæks / Another word for relax — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to become less tense or anxious; to rest or take it easy

Synonyms & similar words

unlax unbend decompress unwind slacken unstrain loose slack strain slackup tense stiffen loosen makerelaxed loosenup slowdown unwind chill de-stress rest repose sleep doze nap catnap siesta resting refresh revive recharge unbend

Synonyms by register

Formal

unwind decompress alleviate ease

Informal

chill out take it easy veg out loosen up

Literary

repose languish slumber

Antonyms

tense agitate excite stress worry fret strain

Common collocations

  • relax and unwind
  • relax your muscles
  • relax the rules
  • relax a bit
  • relax into it
  • relax at home
  • relax after work

Word family

noun relaxation
verb relax
adjective relaxed
adverb relaxedly

Usage note

Often used reflexively as 'relax oneself'. Can also mean to make something less strict, as in 'relax the regulations'.

Example sentences

  1. After a long day at school, I like to relax by playing with my toys.
  2. When I get nervous, my mom tells me to take a deep breath and relax.
  3. Sometimes it's hard to relax when there's a lot of noise around.
  4. I need to relax my muscles after exercising.
  5. My favorite way to relax is to listen to music.

Quotes

  • Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax. - Mark Black
  • The time to relax is when you don't have time for it. - Sydney J. Harris
  • In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers. - Fred Rogers

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