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

These parties’ platforms vary, but both point toward repatriating competences to national governments, weakening European Court of Justice jurisdiction, and loosening the common rules that make EU commitments credible to outside partners. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 2026

Things loosened considerably when an Argentina trip with polo player and model Nacho Figueras came up. — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Sep. 2026

In recent weeks, the United States has succeeded in loosening Iran’s grip over the Strait of Hormuz while virtually shutting down Iran’s own oil exports, accelerating its economic free fall. — Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

However, after receiving some rain in July and August, most forests have loosened fire restrictions or done away with them altogether. — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing loosen

• loosen (up)
• loosen up