loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlü-sᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
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

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
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.
The movement mirrors a human stretch meant to loosen the upper body. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 Always give the fabric a good shake outdoors to loosen and release excess dirt and dust before placing microfiber cloths in the machine. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025 About 1 foot out from the main stem, loosen the soil all around the clump with a garden fork, then carefully lift the tubers from the ground. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 The impact has loosened something around the engine, and now the car’s not quite running right. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loosen

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

loosen

verb
loos·​en ˈlüs-ᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlüs-niŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
-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

More from Merriam-Webster on loosen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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