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

After 30 seconds, pick at the corner of the sticker with your fingernail to see if the heat has loosened it. —Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 15 Jan. 2026

Cleaning rust, using penetrating oil, and adding patience help loosen bolts safely without stripping or damaging the hardware. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026

Using a sharp knife, loosen edges of skins; gently pull off skins in strips and discard. —Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026

This will loosen any bits on the bottom of the oven. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 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