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

However, loosening those connections would be extremely difficult and come with enormous costs, analysts told CNN. —Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026

Add a splash of water to loosen the consistency, if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice to perk up the sauce. —Martha Stewart, 5 Feb. 2026

Since the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018, states have been allowed to decide whether to loosen their gaming laws. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 5 Feb. 2026

The Fed loosened anyway — a rational response to the severe downturn — and inflation remained low for years to come. —Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 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