loosen

verb

ˈlü-sᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
Definition of loosennext
1
as in to relax
to make less taut the lead climber loosened the climbing rope so that the other climber could have more room to maneuver

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement) the dog ran after the squirrel after he was loosened from the post

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to unleash
to set free (from a state of being held in check) once he got to know us better, his inhibitions loosened a bit

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of loosen Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026 Yet as black became a defining color of modern fashion, most famously through Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress of 1926, its association with mourning gradually loosened. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026 As California loosens its grip as the filming capital of the world, New York is drawing big-name titles at a much faster pace, according to industry tracker ProdPro’s quarterly snapshot released last week. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 The push for more licensing deals comes as Netflix is seeking to loosen some of the investment obligations imposed on streamers in Europe. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
  1. relax
  2. release
  3. unleash
  4. ease
  5. free
  6. liberate
  7. loose
  8. rescue
Verb
  • Each has an ofuro tub, steam shower, infrared sauna, relaxing area to take tea and fruit after a treatment, and an outside garden area with a plunge pool and an outdoor shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • In one photo, Hudson showed off her toned figure in a bright red bandeau bikini while relaxing on the beach with her fiancé, Danny Fujikawa.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • The latest figures, released in April and based mostly on 2024 data, actually reflect a slowdown from earlier jumps.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • On October 24, 2006, Taylor Swift was released—the debut album by a 16-year-old with blonde curls, cowboy boots, and a special talent for turning heartbreak into hits.
    — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of release
Verb
  • Spending two years writing his autobiography, the 2023 bestseller Scattershot, and working on a forthcoming documentary, unleashed a creative wellspring in Bernie Taupin.
    — Melinda Newman, Billboard, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The upheaval Luther helped unleash became the Protestant Reformation, permanently reshaping Christianity and European history.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of unleash
Verb
  • The plan is to find candidates from families that renounced their royal status in 1947, which at the time was to ease the postwar financial burden on the monarchy.
    — Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Reports have also eased slightly, with about half occurring in the first two months.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of ease
Verb
  • Paying down high-interest debt frees up more room in the budget.
    — Martie Bowser, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • On top of that, the number of French army soldiers that normally patrol Paris as part of the country’s counter-terrorism measures will be increased to free the police from stationary guard duties.
    — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of free
Verb
  • Technology can liberate your scrappy plants from overcrowded window boxes, and put a micro-farm in your kitchen.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This action would have triggered a kilonova while also liberating a lot of material, stuff that would take its time falling onto the black hole and fueling longer jets.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of liberate
Verb
  • Upheavals so profound are not accomplished without loosing uneasy spirits that will haunt us for many days.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The bigger question is how the Cybercabs were quietly loosed on city streets, even with their human controls.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of loose
Verb
  • The Los Angeles city attorney’s office is suing an animal rescue organization that was once a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, alleging that its owner purchased dogs from puppy mills and portrayed them to adopters as animals that were rescued.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • As voters decide which party can best rescue their chance at the American Dream, political experts say prolonged economic hardship is the defining feature influencing voters in the midterms.
    — Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of rescue

Phrases Containing loosen

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loosely
loosen
loosened
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Cite this Entry

“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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