relax
verb (used with object)
to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax.
were relaxing
-
past progressiveof relax.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What scientists can’t measure is human behavior: Many places were relaxing restrictions, winter forced gatherings indoors and travel has jumped right as omicron began spreading.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 20, 2021
As these sweet dummies were relaxing, the sea has drained dry.
From The New Yorker ● Nov. 4, 2019
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were relaxing in a Provence chateau owned by the Queen’s nephew, Viscount Linley, when they were snapped by the paparazzi.
From The Guardian ● Sep. 5, 2017
The summer after President Obama began his second term in office, he and then-Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. were relaxing and watching fireworks from a porch on Martha’s Vineyard.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 5, 2015
Alvin Hooks began his cross-examination by perching himself on the edge of the prosecutor’s table and crossing his well-shined shoes in front of him as though he were relaxing on a street corner.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
