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
But his emphasis on economic freedoms suggested Washington sees the current crisis as leverage to push for market reforms that would loosen the military’s grip on the economy.
—
Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026
When force is applied in the driving direction, torque tightens or loosens a fastener.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Being a fan of a cultural artifact means being a passionate reader (in a broader sense that also includes viewer, listener, audience, co-creator, and that also loosens and points out the porous border between work, creator, recipient).
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The guidelines also loosen restrictions on alcoholic drinks.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2026
When force is applied in the driving direction, torque tightens or loosens a fastener.
—Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026
Being a fan of a cultural artifact means being a passionate reader (in a broader sense that also includes viewer, listener, audience, co-creator, and that also loosens and points out the porous border between work, creator, recipient).
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The guidelines also loosen restrictions on alcoholic drinks.
—Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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Long-haul travelers can opt for a head and shoulder reliever or a fragrant, relaxing bath infused with indigenous flowers.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Advertisement The ruling also relaxes limits on a number of other pollutants released by burning coal, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Auroras occur when energetic particles become trapped in a planet’s magnetic field and strike the upper atmosphere, releasing energy that creates a signature glow.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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In the film Taylor plays Inez, recently released from jail in New York City and attempting to reconnect with her son who has been in the foster system.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In true February college basketball fashion, Tang unleashed his aggravation about his torpedoing season.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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By Jeran Wittenstein and Ryan Vlastelica | Bloomberg The stock market turmoil unleashed by the artificial-intelligence industry reflects two fears that are increasingly at odds.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His message to insurers is that his company can save costs in an overwhelmed health care system by identifying early whose anxieties can be eased with an app and who needs professional help.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
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Whether the amnesty ultimately eases tensions or deepens divisions may depend on how broadly it is applied — and whether excluded prisoners eventually receive relief.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This would reduce weight, lower launch costs, and free up space for scientific instruments or communication payloads.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
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Venezuela’s socialist regime pushed through a sweeping amnesty law late Thursday that could free hundreds of political prisoners and reshape the country’s fragile transition after strongman Nicolás Maduro’s capture — but critics warn the measure excludes key opponents.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cause of the issue In a post-flight analysis of the Artemis 1 heat shield, NASA identified more than 100 locations where ablative thermal protective material was liberated during Orion's speedy reentry.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
17 Feb. 2026
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But until that moment arrives, reactions of all kinds will occur, continuing to liberate energy.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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Harrison is also a fan of the hair screw tool that’s designed to pick up long strands of hair and loose pet fur with ease.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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An 80-year-old has been identified as the man who died in a hospital after he and a woman were rescued from a house fire in Northwest Dallas on Wednesday.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Their technician even falls over after rescuing Andersson with a replacement ski.—
Sean Nevin,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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