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
Over the next 100 years, the rules of fashion loosened a bit.
—
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
National Geographic notes that dandelion roots can loosen compacted ground, improving aeration and reducing erosion.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
By loosening that structure, dandelions help rainwater penetrate deeper rather than running off the surface.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
But these efforts struggled to loosen Iran’s grip, which remains deeply embedded.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
National Geographic notes that dandelion roots can loosen compacted ground, improving aeration and reducing erosion.
—Ryan Brennan
may 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
By loosening that structure, dandelions help rainwater penetrate deeper rather than running off the surface.
—Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 1 May 2026
But these efforts struggled to loosen Iran’s grip, which remains deeply embedded.
—Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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The heated chamber was thoughtfully oriented toward the lake for a tranquil water view, which allows Henkemeyer to relax, reflect, and connect with her roots.—
Morgan Goldberg,
Architectural Digest,
8 May 2026
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The rest of her look was similarly relaxed, wearing a red scoop-neck midi dress and black, strappy, studded Miu Miu ballet flats.—
Mykenna Maniece,
Vogue,
8 May 2026
Verb
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The city also hasn’t released a calculation of how many new units would be required if SB 79 ends up affecting 52 bus stops instead of four.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
No motive has been released, as of Friday afternoon.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
9 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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This new effort will be known as Golden State Start, as California uses its bulk purchasing power to obtain 40 million high-quality diapers in hopes of easing financial strain for families and supporting infant health by helping parents maintain an adequate supply of clean diapers.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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The game stays mostly cloudy, but mild with temperatures gradually easing into the middle 60s by the late innings.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s decision on how to engage with those discussions was shaped in part by the prospect of freeing its prisoners.—
Darlene Superville,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
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In an emergency filing, state officials said the high court's decision about Louisiana's congressional map should free Alabama from having to use a map that included a second majority-Black district to comply with the civil rights law.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
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On the one hand, the newfound freedom is liberating.—
Ashlee Gadd,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
Michelle has felt particularly liberated in speaking her mind.—
Peter Slevin,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
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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Over 25 Miami-Dade fire crews aided in rescuing the injured, finding some of the 11 in the water.—
Miami Herald,
Sun Sentinel,
10 May 2026
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Unlike a pig sanctuary or farm where abandoned or abused pigs live out their last days, the group is focused on rescuing, fostering and finding permanent families for pigs.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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