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
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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
Heat and moisture from a steam mop can loosen adhesives or damage laminate and hardwood finishes, even though the surface may look clean afterward.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Economists warn that any contender could loosen the purse strings when in office, reversing efforts to curb spending and debt.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Instead, the administration has loosened guidelines on drinking and slashed efforts to understand alcohol addiction, prevent more of it, and help people find a way out.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 May 2026
The combination of heat and moisture can loosen adhesives, warp laminate and damage hardwood finishes over time.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Economists warn that any contender could loosen the purse strings when in office, reversing efforts to curb spending and debt.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Instead, the administration has loosened guidelines on drinking and slashed efforts to understand alcohol addiction, prevent more of it, and help people find a way out.
—Lev Facher, STAT, 12 May 2026
The combination of heat and moisture can loosen adhesives, warp laminate and damage hardwood finishes over time.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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Indigenous peoples in the area have been coming there for 1000s of years to soak and take advantage of the waters, and so there’s been a hotel or some manner of resort there since the late eighteen hundreds, welcoming people to come and take the waters and relax and enjoy.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
15 May 2026
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In Finland, some of the most sincere and open conversations happen inside and between sauna sessions, when everyone is relaxed and stripped of egos, titles and status.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Drake also released seven music videos on YouTube in the hours following the album drops.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
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However, Giuliani, 81, ultimately recovered enough to be released.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
16 May 2026
Verb
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And some were holding back to figure out the right guard rails and directives to put in place before unleashing too many of autonomous ‘workers’ throughout their corporations.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
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In the aftermath of the BAFTA Film Awards, the BBC created a new set of protocols, which now need to be unleashed without a hitch as the public broadcaster bids to avoid a repeat of the disaster.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 May 2026
Verb
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These included shelf registration, relaxed international capital controls, eased restrictions on bank deposits, the rise of index and money market funds, lax oversight of corporate mergers and takeovers, and the creation of banking free-trade zones.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
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The best thing policymakers can do is advance regulation that eases the burden of starting a new business.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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That freed up Plum to be in position to score, setting up a much more efficient Sparks offense.—
Marisa Ingemi,
Los Angeles Times,
16 May 2026
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Towers has been freed after posting $30,000 bail.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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On the one hand, the newfound freedom is liberating.—
Ashlee Gadd,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
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Michelle has felt particularly liberated in speaking her mind.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
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The ClearBell colony loosing ClearBells like snowflakes into the water.—
Mandy-Suzanne Wong,
Longreads,
5 Feb. 2026
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Co-regulating your emotions alongside your toddler can help achieve a resolution to conflict without raising your voice or loosing your temper.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The fire destroyed two structures — a cabin and an equipment shed — and forced the evacuation of 11 National Park Service employees, who were rescued by a Santa Barbara County Fire Department helicopter.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
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Five people were rescued, authorities said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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