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

If your idea of a relaxing fall weekend does not involve joining everybody else in America at the Smokies, Bowron also offered a more under-the-radar option. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

In fact, according to a ranking from vape retailer Vape and Go, Tallinn, Estonia, is Europe’s most relaxing metro for travelers in 2026. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Sep. 2026

Few things are more relaxing than enjoying the outdoors in a rocking chair (doing that with a side of leaf peeping just puts a cherry on top). — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

What should be a relaxing weekend quickly veers off course as Chuck inserts himself into the group and tests the limits of their patience. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026

Common Mistakes Deadheading can be a relaxing task, but don’t overdo it. — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 15 Sep. 2026

Warm White Choose a warm, creamy white with gentle yellow undertones to create a relaxing feel. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 13 Sep. 2026

Though the atmosphere was relaxing, Sheeran kept himself busy, writing music at the lake house in Hendersonville, a suburb about 17 miles outside of Nashville. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026

And for those seeking quiet, Rister suggests an easy-going stay in some of the most relaxing spa hotels in the Peloponnese for some true rest—Euphoria Retreat in Mystras and Manna Arcadia. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026

Verb

If location isn’t all-important to you, you’ll still be taken in by the property’s palatial restaurant, secret garden above the bustling street, and relaxing pool—undoubtedly one of the longest in Lisbon. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Rather than relaxing on his lead, Becerra should be constantly moving around the state, introducing himself to Californians and — more importantly — listening to their problems and ideas. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Some studies suggest that L-theanine may increase alpha waves in the brain, which have a calming, relaxing effect and can improve sleep quality. — Emmanuella Ogbonna, HEALTH, 2 Oct. 2026

Most other feeders can send dozens, if not hundreds, of clips to your phone each day, which can be more fatiguing than relaxing to go through. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 27 Sep. 2026

Below, 12 photos of Diana relaxing and unwinding on vacation. — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026

Imagine going on what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway in nature with your dog, only to end up fighting to survive a medical emergency, a plane crash, brutal elements, and more. — Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2026

For a relaxing massage or facial, head to the spa, and for dinner, look no further than the Lazeaway Club. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026

And there are relaxing-type drinks with mushrooms, L-theanine and ashwagandha. — Esther Tseng, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026