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
All five vessels were bulk carriers, and none were oil and gas tankers, MarineTraffic reported — raising questions about whether Iran is actually loosening its stranglehold on the crucial commercial waterway.
—
Katherine Doyle, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Israel is loosening restrictions implemented during wartime after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, paving the way for schools and workplaces to reopen.
—Riane Lumer, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
The Nashville Predators moseyed westward for a California swing that started with a tie-breaking triumph against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, continued with another deadlock-loosening clash with the Kings on Monday and will wrap up versus the Ducks on Tuesday.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Start by steaming water with vinegar or lemon juice to loosen residue, making cleanup easier and safer.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
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Katherine Doyle, NBC news, 9 Apr. 2026
Israel is loosening restrictions implemented during wartime after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, paving the way for schools and workplaces to reopen.
—Riane Lumer, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2026
The Nashville Predators moseyed westward for a California swing that started with a tie-breaking triumph against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, continued with another deadlock-loosening clash with the Kings on Monday and will wrap up versus the Ducks on Tuesday.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 6 Apr. 2026
Start by steaming water with vinegar or lemon juice to loosen residue, making cleanup easier and safer.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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