relaxed; relaxing; relaxes
1
: to make less tense or rigid : slacken
relaxed his grip
2
: to make less severe or stringent : modify
relax immigration laws
3
: to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4
: to relieve from nervous tension
5
: to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls
1
: to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2
: to become less intense or severe
hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3
of a muscle or muscle fiber
: to become inactive and lengthen
4
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
5
: to seek rest or recreation
relax at the seashore
6
: to relieve constipation
7
: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)
Synonyms
Examples of relax in a Sentence
The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.
A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.
I can't relax with all this noise!
Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.
Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
Recent Examples on the Web
Summer days in the high mountains cede to relaxing evenings on the casual confines of Main Street.
—
James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
Others will be happy to kick back, relax and sleep in.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Here’s a relaxing gift for someone who’s trying to prioritize better sleep: a pillow spray that’s small enough to take on trips.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
The most balloon-like, airy element of this room is the plush bean bags, on which guests are encouraged to recline and relax.
—Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for relax 
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James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
Others will be happy to kick back, relax and sleep in.
—Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 9 Nov. 2024
Here’s a relaxing gift for someone who’s trying to prioritize better sleep: a pillow spray that’s small enough to take on trips.
—Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
The most balloon-like, airy element of this room is the plush bean bags, on which guests are encouraged to recline and relax.
—Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for relax
Dictionary Entries Near relax
Cite this Entry
“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relax
verb
re·lax
ri-ˈlaks 
1
: to make or become loose or less tense
relaxed my attention
2
: to make or become less severe or strict
relax discipline
3
: to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
4
: to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties
relaxed at the beach
relaxer
noun
Medical Definition
relax
transitive verb
re·lax
ri-ˈlaks
1
: to slacken or make less tense or rigid
alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles
2
: to relieve from nervous tension
3
: to relieve from constipation
medications to relax the bowels
1
of a muscle or muscle fiber
: to return to an inactive or resting state
especially
: to become inactive and lengthen
2
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
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