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
If TNF‑α loosens the blood-brain barrier, inflammatory molecules from the blood – as well as disease-causing pathogens – may have increased access to the reward circuitry of the brain, potentially worsening neuronal damage and dysfunction over time.
—
Habibeh Khoshbouei, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Perez has promoted a sweeping healthcare package that would roll back regulations, expand the workforce and loosen certificate-of-need requirements.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
If the sauce has dried up, add a few splashes of water to loosen it.
—Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on alcoholic drinks were also loosened.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Habibeh Khoshbouei, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
Perez has promoted a sweeping healthcare package that would roll back regulations, expand the workforce and loosen certificate-of-need requirements.
—Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
If the sauce has dried up, add a few splashes of water to loosen it.
—Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on alcoholic drinks were also loosened.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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Acidic and fizzy drinks can increase pressure in the stomach and cause the muscle at the top of the stomach to relax, allowing acid to come back up.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
9 Nov. 2025
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Good food and drink plus a chance to relax will please you.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Yet again, Netflix has released a Harlan Coben adaptation on New Year’s Day—and again it’s written by Danny Brocklehurst (Fool Me Once).—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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The sateen weave strikes the perfect balance for fall—breathable enough to release pesky heat and moisture, yet cozy and smooth enough to snuggle into on cooler nights.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The strike marks the first time in more than a year that Moscow has unleashed the Oreshnik, which can contain multiple warheads and carry either conventional or nuclear payloads.—
Kosta Gak,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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The first batch of season 4 episodes were released on Peacock Thursday night, and the biggest headline was a new twist unleashed by host Alan Cumming just minutes into the game.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Panthers will look to establish their run game to ease pressure on Bryce Young.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
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The review also supports earlier findings that gum chewing can ease stress, but only in certain situations.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Pots, pans, trays, and lots of utensils can be shoved onto oven shelves to free up counter and kitchen table space.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
12 Jan. 2026
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The engine, freed from its hook by a sudden hard, precise kick, quickly sank into the river, pulling the cord tight and dragging the foreman underwater.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Hudson, for her part, felt liberated.—
David Canfield,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
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Russia’s president has claimed that his invasion of Ukraine was a mission to liberate the people of that country.—
M. Gessen,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Isaacs, a Jewish apprentice merchant from England, loosed the rope around his waist and jumped for his life, landing on the edge of the Zulu kingdom.—
Adam L. Rovner,
The Conversation,
31 Oct. 2025
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Illinois will get its share of stops, but the worst passing defense, statistically, in the Big Ten doesn’t have the athletes to compete consistently if the Buckeyes let Sayin loose again.—
Cameron Teague Robinson,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Los Angeles County Fire Department on Wednesday rescued three people who were trapped under a collapsed retaining wall in Lennox.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
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In the final battle, the group of heroes kills Vecna, and the Mind Flayer, before rescuing the children and setting off bombs that destroy the Upside Down.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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