loosen up

verb

loosened up; loosening up; loosens up

intransitive verb

: to become less tense : relax

Examples of loosen up in a Sentence

hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Part of that is loosening up streamers’ bids for lengthy contract terms on series, potentially in exchange for less money. K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025 This routine takes you through some stretches that will help loosen up your hips and lower back. Yoga With Kassandra, Outside, 11 Oct. 2025 This helps loosen up anything smelly that might be stuck to the blades. Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025 Marte helped Soto, who carries a business-like demeanor, to fit in by encouraging him to loosen up when appropriate. Will Sammon, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loosen up

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen up was in 1922

Cite this Entry

“Loosen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen%20up. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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