loosened; loosening
ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈlüs-niŋ
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
: to become loose or looser
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
According to Caulkins’ analysis, cannabis consumption started to climb in 2008 when more states started loosening restrictions on the drug.
—
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 23 May 2024
When the pandemic erupted and forced much of the industry to log on remotely, authorities initially loosened rules requiring firms to constantly surveil staff.
—Gillian Tan, Fortune, 22 May 2024
Efforts to expand medical marijuana in Texas, or loosen the state’s cannabis laws overall, have had a difficult time in the Legislature.
—Christopher Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024
His grip loosened and the shovel spun, spilling its contents back onto the pavement.
—Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loosen 
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 23 May 2024
When the pandemic erupted and forced much of the industry to log on remotely, authorities initially loosened rules requiring firms to constantly surveil staff.
—Gillian Tan, Fortune, 22 May 2024
Efforts to expand medical marijuana in Texas, or loosen the state’s cannabis laws overall, have had a difficult time in the Legislature.
—Christopher Torres, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 May 2024
His grip loosened and the shovel spun, spilling its contents back onto the pavement.
—Emily Harnett, Harper's Magazine, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loosen
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loosen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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