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

That’s not something most people talked about or perhaps even knew about as officials loosened development regulations to boost housing construction. — Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026

Next, place the stovetop grates in the solution, soaking them for 10 to 15 minutes to loosen grease and food residue. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026

The legislation loosens regulations to encourage housing construction and limits Wall Street investors from buying homes that could go to families instead. — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 11 July 2026

Use the vinegar and water steaming method to loosen grease and follow the same rack cleaning steps. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 July 2026

Phrases Containing loosen

• loosen (up)
• loosen up