WINDING DOWN Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

winding down

verb

present participle of wind down

as in relaxing

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety not being one for alcoholic beverages, I prefer to wind down with a cup of tea every night

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tensing (up)

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 winding down Now, decades later, Snider was winding down his career, and Prevost was about to participate in a conclave to elect the next pope. — Scott Detrow, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026 Two managers confirmed to The Star Friday afternoon that the location was winding down this weekend. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026 The final Delta rocket, a Delta IV Heavy, launched in 2024 and ULA is now winding down its Atlas V program. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Notably, SpaceX is winding down Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 at the top of their game. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026 Earlier this month, Miami-Dade began winding down volunteer advisory boards representing Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ residents, as well as the county’s Commission for Women. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026 Speaking outside the courthouse, flanked by Haley, Sokola and witnesses in the trial, Allred took a moment to address what this means for the #MeToo movement, which some have suggested is winding down. — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026 But worn sheets, flat pillows, and a comforter that’s lost its fluff can make winding down less inviting. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 In autumn, the expansive porch is ideal for sipping coffee in the morning and winding down with a glass of wine in the evening. — Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for winding down

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, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of relaxing

Verb

As fashion’s game of musical chairs slows down, Milan’s newest creative directors are loosening up the codes at some of Italy's most storied brands.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
There’s a spa, steam room, oxygen lounge, and meditation room for loosening up both muscles and mind.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of loosening up

Browse Nearby Words

winding

winding down

windings

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“Winding down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winding%20down. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of winding down

verb

Example Sentences

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