loosen up

verb

loosened up; loosening up; loosens up

intransitive verb

: to become less tense : relax

Synonyms of loosen up

• relax
• hang loose

Examples of loosen up in a Sentence

hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends

Recent Examples on the Web

The hot queso frito loaded with Oaxaca cheese, salsa negra, pico, cilantro, and tortillas is richer and exactly the kind of dish that loosens up a group after a second round of drinks. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026

But lately, she’s been loosening up her minimalist approach, experimenting with brighter colors and unexpected combinations that make her everyday outfits feel fresh. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 10 July 2026

Her next film, 1941’s Two-Faced Woman, was an attempt by MGM to loosen up her famously aloof image. — Jp Mangalindan, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

Beckham isn’t the only one loosening up their summer style with a lacy slip skirt. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for loosen up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup