loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlü-sᵊn 

loosened; loosening ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ 

ˈlüs-niŋ

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

• relax
• ease

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

Its hundreds of pressure points help stimulate circulation, relieving tension and loosening muscles. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026

Once the ice begins to loosen, drivers can use a plastic scraper, windshield wipers, a rubber squeegee or a soft-bristle brush to clear the glass more quickly. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2026

After reaching the ship’s location, the Coast Guard icebreaker made multiple close passes through the surrounding ice to loosen the frozen pack. —Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Experts who were asked to review the changes by NPR agreed that the net effect was to loosen the standards. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing loosen

• loosen one's collar
• loosen one's grip/hold
• loosen someone's tongue
• loosen the purse strings
• loosen up

Rhymes for loosen

• brucine
• mucin

Kids Definition

loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlüs-ᵊn 

loosened; loosening ˈlüs-niŋ 

-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