Relax

v.calm, kindeveryday

What it means

To become calmer and release tension.

Reach for it when describing the easing of bodily tension, mental pressure, or unnecessary strictness

Soft lighting helped the children relax before bedtime.

playful
loosen up
when reducing bodily or social stiffness fits the tone
not when It can sound dismissive when anxiety is serious.
playful
unwind
when easing out of work pressure is the focus
not when Unwind is informal and usually describes a gradual personal shift.
everyday
rest
when stopping activity helps restore energy
not when Rest does not guarantee that tension eases.
warm
ease
when reducing strain or severity is the action
not when Ease may be done to a burden rather than a person.
warm
settle
when agitation gradually becomes calm
not when Settling can mean staying in place rather than relaxing.
warm
soften
when rules, tone, or resistance become less rigid
not when Softening does not necessarily create rest or calm.
professional
decompress
when a transition period after pressure is intended
not when Decompress is figurative jargon outside technical settings.
professional
release tension
when bodily or emotional tension is the exact target
not when The phrase is clinical and narrower than relax.
literary
repose
when quiet rest suits elevated prose
not when Repose is too formal for ordinary guidance.

relax completely
The rescue dog began to relax completely beside the quiet handler.
relax your shoulders
Pause and relax your shoulders before lifting again.
relax the rules
The library will relax the rules during the community exhibition.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.