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
The commonwealth has been without an operational freestanding birthing center since the 1980s, said Mary Kathryn DeLodder, director of the Kentucky Birth Coalition — a grassroots organization that led the charge in advocating for legislation loosening regulations for the facilities.
—
Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
That's because the city has a history of shifting on this issue, from when pursuits were restricted following bystander deaths, and then loosened in response to carjackings and reckless driving in the city.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Aeration—putting tiny holes in the soil to loosen it and allow for more nutrients, air, and water to reach greater depths—is another component of having beautiful turf.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Use a potato fork or shovel to loosen soil all around the clump, working at least 1 foot away from the main stem.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
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Killian Baarlaer, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
That's because the city has a history of shifting on this issue, from when pursuits were restricted following bystander deaths, and then loosened in response to carjackings and reckless driving in the city.
—David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Aeration—putting tiny holes in the soil to loosen it and allow for more nutrients, air, and water to reach greater depths—is another component of having beautiful turf.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
Use a potato fork or shovel to loosen soil all around the clump, working at least 1 foot away from the main stem.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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