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
Scrub with a scouring pad to loosen debris.
—
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Today’s proclamation loosens restrictions on fishing in some of those same areas, specifically, Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Loading is easy, with front access and passive rollers, but the lack of back tension means spools can loosen and unspool slightly inside the chamber.
—Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026
In 2020, the rules were further loosened so that players can change in some contexts after that age.
—Laurent Dubois, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Today’s proclamation loosens restrictions on fishing in some of those same areas, specifically, Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
—Tom Tapp, Deadline, 11 June 2026
Loading is easy, with front access and passive rollers, but the lack of back tension means spools can loosen and unspool slightly inside the chamber.
—Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 10 June 2026
In 2020, the rules were further loosened so that players can change in some contexts after that age.
—Laurent Dubois, The Conversation, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including sailing, water skiing, tennis, pickleball, disc golf, or just relaxing by the lake.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
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Another photo showed Nader sipping on a cup of coffee as crew members relax in the background, tagging @lovethynader.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The Lexington County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy was planned for Saturday and additional information will be released Monday.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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Los Angeles police Friday released bodycam footage of an officer killing a woman’s pet dog in a case that has sparked outrage and questions.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
Verb
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The intensity increased stepwise until, with nine Valkyries singing at full force, Dudamel unleashed a climactic storm of sound.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
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Directed by action veteran Kenji Tanigaki and produced by Bill Kong, the martial arts showcase stars Xie Miao as Wang Wei, an ordinary man who unleashes a relentless rampage against a powerful child trafficking syndicate after his daughter is kidnapped.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 June 2026
Verb
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Specialized unit built for tight spaces As summer temperatures rise and futbol fever spreads, the department's new bike EMS team is positioned to ease concerns during emergencies.—
Bo Evans,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Instead, Meledandri freed filmmakers and animators to make movies about antic antiheroes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 June 2026
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The group issued a point-by-point analysis of the memorandum, criticizing it for potentially freeing up tens of billions of dollars for Iran without putting sufficient safeguards to ensure the country won’t use the money to fund operations against the United States.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Verb
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The smiles, according to experts on Buddhism and Buddhist art, suggest a realization of truth, and the legs represent a transition into action, to liberate all sentient beings.—
Anthony Kuhn,
NPR,
11 June 2026
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After being transferred to Hirschberg to Bunzlau, he was liberated and returned to Romania before immigrating to Israel and eventually settling in South Florida.—
Jessica Tzikas,
Sun Sentinel,
11 June 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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Two roofs collapsed at the Park Place Apartments in the town of Newburgh, trapping a woman who had to be rescued by emergency officials, Wilder said.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
22 June 2026
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Detectives from Lake County, Illinois, Sheriff's office rescued a girl under 14 from a grown man who had traveled from Georgia to meet her this weekend, authorities said Sunday.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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