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
With the help of California State Parks workers, officers loosened the net to free the bear while keeping clear of the wary mom, officials said.
—
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
Her body breaking, quietly—teeth loosening, bones turning soft.
—Noel Ransome, Essence, 15 May 2025
And even Goldman Sachs has tried loosening its necktie and softening its image to attract younger, more socially conscious talent.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
The screws may loosen and allow engine oil to leak from the screw holes, according to the recall report.
—James Powel, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
Her body breaking, quietly—teeth loosening, bones turning soft.
—Noel Ransome, Essence, 15 May 2025
And even Goldman Sachs has tried loosening its necktie and softening its image to attract younger, more socially conscious talent.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
The screws may loosen and allow engine oil to leak from the screw holes, according to the recall report.
—James Powel, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
-
The mood among the squad was relaxed throughout Monday and Tuesday.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
22 May 2025
-
Or Martha’s Vineyard to relax around the shores with their families.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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However, he was granted his request at the Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, May 21, according to the BBC, and was released on a $6.7 million bail.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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The game was officially released on May 22, 1980 in Japanese arcades before launching in the United States in October 1980, according to the Pac-Man website.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country.—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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That’s because Hollywood is set to unleash a steady stream of horror films from now till the end of August.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
17 May 2025
Verb
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Babies love latching onto the soft, squishy silicone, easing the transition from breast- to bottlefeeding, and the anti-colic valve means there will be fewer burps.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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And deficit hawks may be happy to cut back on green-energy projects and rural-hospital funding pots of money, but that won’t ease the sting of this bill’s overall price tag.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Wirtz’s potency in the final third would attract attention and could free up Pep Guardiola’s talented front line.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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The men were freed after prosecutors agreed to vacate their convictions in 2014.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Season 2 offers a chilling, darkly hilarious and oddly liberating spin on a bad day at the office.—
Michael Ordoña,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Even drinking a large glass of water can remind you to turn off the work-thoughts and liberate yourself to focus on everything else.—
Tracy Brower,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Verb
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Another group of 10 wolves captured in Oregon was loosed in December 2023.—
Max Levy,
Denver Post,
16 May 2025
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Unsurprisingly, markets and investors are loosing their patience with BP.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Sandra Oh and more, the new Smurfs will follow the residents of Smurf Village banding together to rescue Papa Smurf after he is captured by an evil wizard.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
16 May 2025
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The Browns may have an opportunity to rescue themselves from a similar abyss.—
Jeff Howe,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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