LOOSEN (UP) Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

loosen (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of loosen (up)

as in to facilitate

to free from obstruction or difficulty hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loosen up

2 of 2

verb (2)

as in to relax

to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tense (up)

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 (up)

Verb

There’s a spa, steam room, oxygen lounge, and meditation room for loosening up both muscles and mind. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026 The two eventually connect and learn from each other; Ray loosens up and Molly grows up. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 But by the second half of the 20th century, NAR seemed to loosen up. — Michael Waters, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026 After filming the second episode, Reynolds began to loosen up. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen (up)

Verb

Pratt & Whitney magnanimously donated 75 acres of the former Rentschler airfield to further facilitate its construction.

— Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026
The lawmakers allegedly received commissions in exchange for facilitating the awarding of contracts to companies linked to them.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of facilitate

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

Browse Nearby Words

loosens up

loosen (up)

loosen up

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“Loosen (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen%20%28up%29. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of loosen (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

Example Sentences

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