Synonyms of relaxing

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

• soothing
• tranquilizing
• comforting
• calming
• hypnotic
• quieting
• sedative
• dreamy
• narcotic
• lulling
• depressant
• opiate
• pacifying
• analgesic
• deadening
• anesthetic
• anodyne
• antidepressant
• antianxiety
• numbing
• antistress
• antidepression

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• painful
• stressful
• tiresome
• troubling
• unsettling
• trying
• stimulating
• worrisome
• stimulant
• troublesome
• frustrating
• disturbing
• annoying
• energizing
• irritating
• aggravating
• invigorating
• bothersome
• maddening
• exasperating
• irksome
• vexatious
• vexing
• galling
• harassing
• grating
• nettlesome

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

• chilling
• resting
• unwinding
• decompressing
• basking
• de-stressing
• hanging loose
• loosening up
• winding down
• calming
• composing
• mellowing (out)
• lounging
• chilling out
• comforting
• settling
• lazing
• relieving
• loafing
• cooling
• idling
• lolling
• alleviating
• bumming
• reposing
• unbending
• hanging (around or out)
• easing
• quieting
• vegetating
• dawdling
• kicking back
• droning
• hacking (around)
• goofing (off)
• dillydallying
• vegging out
• zoning out
• footling
• dallying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tensing (up)

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

• loosening
• slacking
• slackening
• easing
• detaching
• freeing
• untying
• undoing
• unfastening
• unbinding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stretching
• tightening
• straining
• binding
• tying
• attaching
• tensing
• fastening
• restraining
• tensioning
• constraining

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

• resting
• basking
• lounging
• hanging
• reposing
• lolling
• kicking back
• idling
• loafing
• hanging around
• bumming
• slacking (off)
• hanging about
• vegging out
• goldbricking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• working
• laboring
• struggling
• striving
• sweating
• plowing
• plugging
• plodding
• hustling
• straining
• toiling
• slaving
• grubbing
• pegging (away)
• slogging
• exercising
• humping
• drudging
• working out
• travailing
• moiling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of relaxing

Adjective

Cozy Winter Lodging Any winter adventure is best capped off by a relaxing evening back at your cabin or resort. —Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026

Self-driving cars are operating commercially in some cities, and a relaxing, productive commute in an autonomous car competes for the same customer an eVTOL is trying to attract. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 25 Apr. 2026

Building a privacy fence can make your backyard feel more secluded and relaxing. —Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026

First opened in 1982, Living with the Land takes guests on a relaxing 15-minute boat ride through a series of natural scenes. —Christopher Edwards, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

With year-round beauty—whale migrations in winter, wildflowers in spring, vineyards in fall—the Surfliner is one of the most relaxing and convenient ways to explore California. —Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026

For many people, games like Words With Friends are a relaxing way to pass the time. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

This spring, just outside the dining room, Shahniani will add the Expoterrace, a relaxing patio with a fountain, waterfalls and lush plants inspired by Living with the Land at Epcot in Florida. —Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026

The weekend is for recharging, relaxing, and generally unwinding, right? —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

And with its options for kayaking, standup paddleboarding, sailing, and waterskiing—plus a boardwalk for strolling and sandy beaches for relaxing—Mission Bay Park is a great spot for active families. —Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

Meander the historic district, then break out your boats or find a picnic bench along the shore to take in a few relaxing hours in LaGrange. —Carolanne Griffith Roberts, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026

These zero gravity chairs can make relaxing outside feel meditative. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

After your workout, treat your body to a relaxing recovery massage. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026

Hest says the lean-back chair geometry was inspired by the classic Adirondack chair for relaxing, familiar comfort and supportive posture. —New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2026

Quince is filled with lounge sets that are made for a variety of occasions, like early airport mornings, long flights, or just relaxing at home after a full day. —Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026

Spread across six floors, all are designed to be relaxing retreats with amenities from the French brand Botanyc, which adds a sensory touch thanks to their exclusive Bal Tropical range, crafted on the French Riviera and featuring notes of bergamot, lychee, and jasmine. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

Key Takeaways Sourdough bread contains peptides that might help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. —Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2026