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 don’t really use bath time to relax, but I do find it sparks my creativity.

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

Dodger was a good judge of character, and that made Akira relax a little.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

relax

Example Sentences

Related Words