1
as in to relax
to make less taut
the lead climber loosened the climbing rope so that the other climber could have more room to maneuver
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to release
to set free (as from slavery or confinement)
the dog ran after the squirrel after he was loosened from the post
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to unleash
to set free (from a state of being held in check)
once he got to know us better, his inhibitions loosened a bit
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loosen
Burns went on to loosen monetary policy and help the president secure re-election in ’72.
—
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Do your own safety checks, as screws and fasteners can loosen over time with use.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
Celebrities known for other things showing anything at all was worth the price of the magazine, and those parameters were loosened.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
That means Florida can loosen or tighten its vaccination requirements.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
Do your own safety checks, as screws and fasteners can loosen over time with use.
—Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Sep. 2025
Celebrities known for other things showing anything at all was worth the price of the magazine, and those parameters were loosened.
—Mark Gray, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025
That means Florida can loosen or tighten its vaccination requirements.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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The property, located in the heart of Jackson, has an on-site concierge to book safaris, outdoor adventures, and wellness appointments to relax between autumn adventures.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
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If caught in a rip current, relax and float.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This year’s results covering 2023 and 2024, which were shared exclusively with Forbes, will be released tomorrow.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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Agents detained two suspects – including one at the scene of the crime – but later released them and cleared them of any involvement.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This is especially true when facing the game's many bosses, who often only briefly telegraph their intentions before unleashing attacks that can fill a huge portion of the screen.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
11 Sep. 2025
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Flip that switch, and suddenly every market becomes accessible, and good ideas trapped behind a language wall get unleashed.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This was a week dedicated to the passage of several bills that would ease regulations on prominent appliances.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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However, some pressures have eased compared with a year ago.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Taken together, the two programs free older workers for the flexible opportunities often available with smaller companies or nonprofits with traditionally lower pay.—
Amy Lindgren,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
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This helped free Nacua up for a 24-yard gain into the red zone.—
Adam Grosbard,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Prize is technically a financial award, not a grant, which liberates recipients to dream, pause, pivot, or scale on their own terms.—
Afdhel Aziz,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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Still, not every architect involved has found the project’s carte blanche approach liberating.—
Siobhan Reid,
Robb Report,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In more recent years, fleeting trends and other fashion antics sometimes sidetracked Armani, especially on the runway, where aviator hats or tricky pants — from bloomers to loose, low-crotch styles — won him barbs from critics.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
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Harrison is also a fan of the hair screw tool that’s designed to pick up long strands of hair and loose pet fur with ease.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Juventus managed to come from behind to rescue a 4-4 draw against visiting Borussia Dortmund thanks to a late equalizer by Lloyd Kelly (90+6’).—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Lions Tigers & Bears’ mission is to rescue and care for big cats and exotic animals, with a team of veterinarians, groundskeepers, administrative staff and approximately 300 volunteers.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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