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

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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

If the plant was root bound in its pot, consider pulling it out of the ground, loosening up the roots so water can penetrate, and replanting it. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 Instead, Paul grew a little tight on important points just as Cerúndolo, who had spent most of the match in that state, started to loosen up a little. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 June 2026 To loosen up the atmosphere, Amazon had open bars on all levels of the Beacon Theatre during its presentation. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026 The market could loosen up if mortgage rates were to ease, Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at the University of Mississippi. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen (up)

Verb

Rodríguez said emergency economic measures will include relief funds for victims and temporary waivers on documentation and property registration fees to facilitate housing relocation.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
By waiving the legislation, foreign vessels could facilitate the transport of petroleum and fertilizer throughout the country’s ports, thus reducing potential supply disruptions that could further hike fuel prices.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

Definition of facilitate

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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 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of loosen (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

Example Sentences

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