Synonyms of loosen

loosen

verb

ˈlü-sᵊn 

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

• relax
• ease
• detach
• slack
• slacken
• undo
• untie
• unfasten
• free
• unbind

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tension
• tighten
• stretch
• tense
• bind
• attach
• strain
• tie
• restrain
• fasten
• constrain

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

• release
• free
• liberate
• loose
• rescue
• save
• emancipate
• unbind
• enlarge
• turn loose
• spring
• enfranchise
• unfetter
• unchain
• manumit
• discharge
• uncage
• disenthrall
• extricate
• disengage
• bail (out)
• redeem
• ransom
• parole
• disentangle
• deliver
• unshackle
• disencumber
• disembarrass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• restrain
• bind
• confine
• fetter
• shackle
• handcuff
• jail
• enchain
• commit
• imprison
• lock (up)
• incarcerate
• subdue
• subjugate
• enslave
• conquer
• trammel
• manacle
• intern
• immure

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

• unleash
• release
• unlock
• loose
• unloose
• let go
• uncork
• express
• unloosen
• liberate
• emancipate
• air
• unbind
• unshackle
• spring
• free
• enfranchise
• unfetter
• manumit
• unchain
• unmoor
• uncage
• vent
• discharge
• take out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hold
• regulate
• restrain
• control
• govern
• check
• contain
• inhibit
• constrain
• curb
• tame
• smother
• rein (in)
• bind
• confine
• bridle
• shackle
• handcuff
• hamper
• manacle
• trammel
• fetter
• enchain
• halter

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loosen

Instead of relying on a gritty scrub (which can be harsh on delicate lip skin), Obagi’s Lip Therapy AHA+PHA Smoothing Micro-Peel uses three exfoliating acids—glycolic, lactic, and gluconolactone—to gently loosen buildup and smooth rough texture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026

Yet as black became a defining color of modern fashion, most famously through Gabrielle Chanel’s little black dress of 1926, its association with mourning gradually loosened. — Livia Caligor, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

As California loosens its grip as the filming capital of the world, New York is drawing big-name titles at a much faster pace, according to industry tracker ProdPro’s quarterly snapshot released last week. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026

The push for more licensing deals comes as Netflix is seeking to loosen some of the investment obligations imposed on streamers in Europe. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing loosen

• loosen (up)
• loosen up