Tools: Learn New Words | Secure Password Generator | Startup Tools | PDF Generator

Relax (Verb)

Meaning¹

Make less severe or strict; "The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

The new policy will relax the restrictions on international travel, making it easier for tourists to visit the country.
To boost the economy, the government decided to relax the regulations on small businesses.
After years of strict enforcement, the school board voted to relax the dress code policy.
The new management relaxed the working hours, allowing employees to have more flexible schedules.
The authorities relaxed the quarantine rules in areas where the outbreak had been contained.

Meaning²

Become less severe or strict; "The rules relaxed after the new director arrived".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

The city relaxed its noise ordinances to accommodate late-night events.
After a while, the policies relaxed, allowing a more casual atmosphere in the office.
The regulations relaxed during the holiday season to reduce workload.
When the school got a new principal, the rules relaxed for the students.
Once the economy recovered, the travel restrictions relaxed significantly.

Synonyms

Loosen

Related Words

Relaxation (noun)

Meaning³

Cause to feel relaxed; "A hot bath always relaxes me".

Classification

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.

Examples

A warm cup of tea can usually relax her after a long day.
The soothing music helps to relax the patients in the hospital.
Yoga exercises often relax the muscles and calm the mind.
A calming ocean view can help relax anyone who sees it.
Listening to classical music always relaxes him.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Tense

Related Words

Meaning⁴

Become less tense, rest, or take one's ease; "He relaxed in the hot tub"; "Let's all relax after a hard day's work".

Classification

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care.

Examples

She relaxed on the beach, enjoying the warm sun on her skin and the sound of the waves.
After a long day, he went home and relaxed by reading a book and listening to music.
It took her a while to relax in her new surroundings, but eventually she felt more at ease.
To help her relax before the big exam, her friend suggested they take a walk in the park.
The massage therapist's soothing voice helped her relax and release all the tension in her body.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Tense

Hypernyms

Turn

Hyponyms

Related Words

Meaning⁵

Make less taut; "relax the tension on the rope".

Classification

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

Examples

To prevent the sail from tearing, we need to relax the tension on the rope.
Easing her grip slightly was enough to relax the tension in her fingers.
She tried to relax the muscles in her shoulders, but they stayed knotted.
Over-tightening the screw can cause damage, so try to relax the turn before tightening any further.
The engineer adjusted the machinery to relax the tension on the belt and ensure smooth operation.

Synonyms

Unbend

Hypernyms

Loose

Related Words

Meaning⁶

Make less active or fast; "He slackened his pace as he got tired"; "Don't relax your efforts now".

Classification

Verbs of size, temperature change, intensifying, etc..

Examples

The exhausted hikers had to relax their pace to avoid injuries on the steep descent.
She tried to relax her attention on the video game as the clock showed it was almost bedtime.
Don't relax your efforts now, you're almost at the end of the challenging project.
Relax the tension on the rope to avoid accidents while sailing.
They were instructed to relax their grip on the hot air balloon to descend slowly and smoothly.

Synonyms

Hypernyms

Related Words

Relaxation (noun)

Meaning⁷

Become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner; "our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group".

Classification

Verbs of political and social activities and events.

Examples

After a few drinks, Sarah relaxed and started telling jokes to the whole table.
The teacher's friendly demeanor helped the shy students relax and participate in class.
As soon as we got to the beach, I relaxed and felt my worries melting away.
He relaxed and opened up about his personal struggles once he felt comfortable around his new friends.
The strict rules were lifted, allowing the kids to relax and enjoy their summer vacation.