loosen

verb

ˈlü-sᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
Definition of loosennext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loosen The budget at Liverpool has historically been less-easily loosened than at some of their rival clubs, though Hughes succeeded in persuading his bosses to break their transfer record to go big for Wirtz, Isak and Barcola. — James Pearce, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Recognizing what has been taking up so much mental space may be enough to loosen its grip. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026 Like so many small towns along Route 66, old boundaries have loosened, and families have scattered as regional economies reshape where people work and live. — Harry Bruinius, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026 Then, give the formula a short time to loosen the grime and buildup. — Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
  1. relax
  2. release
  3. unleash
  4. ease
  5. free
  6. liberate
  7. loose
  8. rescue
Verb
  • Hailey and Justin Bieber also described their favorite ways to relax (the spa), favorite cities (a split between New York and Los Angeles) and favorite holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas).
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Lounging and relaxing poolside is taken very seriously with an ample supply of chaise lounges and umbrellas lining all four pools (three family pools and one adults-only pool), and an adjacent private beach and lagoon.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • Later, Omar Marmoush failed to release Andy Robertson on the overlap, with Mohammed Kudus waiting unmarked for a ball in the middle.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Lynx masters terrain DEEP Robotics has released new footage showing its Lynx wheel-legged robot navigating a harsh red desert terrain, highlighting the machine’s ability to operate across loose sand, steep slopes, and uneven ground.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of release
Verb
  • This comes after a partial glacier collapse in the Himalayan mountains unleashed a sudden surge of water, mud, and debris that swept through border crossings, valley communities, and hydropower projects on August 26.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Bengals didn’t need to see Howell beyond the first preseason game, instead opting to unleash him fully against Tampa Bay.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of unleash
Verb
  • What’s Happening Videos of people pouring Epsom salt onto baking sheets, towels or shower floors and stomping barefoot for roughly 10 minutes have racked up views across TikTok, with users claiming the practice eases anxiety and improves sleep.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But just as being the son of a former governor most likely eased his entry into politics, Sununu is now benefiting from the popularity of his younger brother, Chris, whose eight years as governor ended last year.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of ease
Verb
  • This sets off a chemical reaction freeing phosphorus, a primary nutrient for the algae, from the lake floor.
    — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Just that 30-second interaction in Bobby’s office totally freed me up.
    — Jayson Jenks, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of free
Verb
  • The shocking ruins of what was once a thriving population center attest to a brutal military campaign to liberate the ancient city from IS.
    — Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Sep. 2026
  • It’s long ceased to be a neighborhood that puts on airs, an attitude that liberates us all tonight.
    — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of liberate
Verb
  • His pets were accused of the unneighborly habit of loosing themselves upon suburban streets, prompting panicked phone calls and unnecessary police raids.
    — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Stick to loose clothes with breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 July 2026
Definition of loose
Verb
  • Eight cygnets were rescued after a member of the public discovered them on a road in Somerset, England, and contacted Secret World Wildlife Rescue, according to The Independent.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In the 1903 segment, Clemens and McNairy play a couple on an isolated farm, who, like Tom, find and rescue a young person from the snow.
    — Carole Horst, Variety, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of rescue

Phrases Containing loosen

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loosely
loosen
loosened
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Cite this Entry

“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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