loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlü-sᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
ˈlüs-niŋ
Synonyms of loosennext

transitive verb

1
: to release from restraint
2
: to make looser
loosened his tie
loosen a screw
3
: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4
: to cause or permit to become less strict
—often used with up
loosened the rules

intransitive verb

: to become loose or looser

Synonyms of loosen

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Examples of loosen in a Sentence

He used a spade to loosen the soil. She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan. After eating so much I had to loosen my belt. When the meeting was over he loosened his tie. One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened. Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior. Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
First, lightly rub chalk and spread chalk dust around the area to loosen the grease. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 5 July 2026 These guidelines were loosened after the team's first two matches. — Jamie Gray, NBC news, 9 July 2026 Toe exercises may also help relieve arthritis pain or simply loosen your feet after wearing uncomfortable shoes for too long. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026 Officials said continuous rain and hillside torrents loosened soil on slopes, causing makeshift houses to collapse. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing loosen

Rhymes for loosen

See All Rhymes for loosen

Browse Nearby Words

loose milk
loosen
loosener
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Cite this Entry

“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

loosen

verb
loos·​en ˈlüs-ᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlüs-niŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to set free
2
: to make or become loose or looser
3
: to cause or permit to become less strict
loosened the rules

More from Merriam-Webster on loosen

Nglish: Translation of loosen for Spanish Speakers

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