as in loose
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched
the loosened nuts finally dropped off of the screws
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in relaxed
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in freed
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 unleashed
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 loosened
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Government spending ramped up to try to alleviate the economic fallout, and agencies loosened some spending restrictions.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on alcoholic drinks were also loosened.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Investigators noted that the fitting likely loosened over time due to engine vibration.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
However, several Supreme Court decisions in the last several decades have loosened those restrictions and broadened what is permissible under the Constitution.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
Even so, the ties never really loosened.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 2025
Single-family homes remain tighter, but even that segment has loosened compared to 2022 and 2023.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
Clogs and Drains Clogs and slow-moving drains can be loosened with a combination of laundry detergent and very hot water.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
After his starring role at the 2024 European Championship, Bellingham appeared to have the position locked down, but Rogers’ rapid ascent, coupled with a slight dip in Bellingham’s attacking output, has loosened that hold.
—Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Government spending ramped up to try to alleviate the economic fallout, and agencies loosened some spending restrictions.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026
Restrictions on alcoholic drinks were also loosened.
—Bailey Allen, The Providence Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
Investigators noted that the fitting likely loosened over time due to engine vibration.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 31 Dec. 2025
However, several Supreme Court decisions in the last several decades have loosened those restrictions and broadened what is permissible under the Constitution.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
Even so, the ties never really loosened.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 2025
Single-family homes remain tighter, but even that segment has loosened compared to 2022 and 2023.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025
Clogs and Drains Clogs and slow-moving drains can be loosened with a combination of laundry detergent and very hot water.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosened
Adjective
-
Last year, Anderson stuck with a soft glam look and left her hair down in natural, loose waves.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The pair also has a slightly oversized fit that’s relaxed without looking frumpy.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
19 Jan. 2026
-
The fabric’s four-way stretch is slightly cinched at the waist to enhance your curves, while the A-line silhouette is still relaxed enough for cozy winter outfits.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
So any time ‘freed’ by automation is far more likely to be filled with new tasks than handed back to workers.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
20 Jan. 2026
-
If fighting continues, the most effective counter-terrorism forces in Syria may soon be dismantled or outright destroyed, and thousands of ISIS militants and sympathizers freed, which preliminary reports suggest might already be underway.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Instead, DeSantis unleashed a rambling recap of the past seven years, with plenty of unsourced statistics, claims of victory that aren’t supported by reality, and wording often designed to obfuscate the most controversial parts of his tenure.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Jeremy Holin, Fort Lauderdale Fearful about the future The unnecessary death of Renee Nicole Good is totally the fault of every Republican in the Senate and the House who has unleashed this unhinged and hateful president.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
With power diffused among top leaders and their allies in the bureaucracy, party discipline was slack.—
Jonathan A. Czin,
Foreign Affairs,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Loose layers can compress in a crash, leaving the harness too slack to protect the baby.—
Daniella Gray,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But one year has not eased the pain felt by the parents of Nicholas Burkett.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Digital advance booking has eased the process, allowing travelers to bypass terminal queues at Cebu’s busy Pier 1.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The church released a statement about the incident on Wednesday night.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Photographs were released on Wednesday showing Good in professional portraits and with her family.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Or, use the same flat-iron to create polished yet undone waves, as seen above on actress Kaityln Dever.—
Ariel Wodarcyk,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The intentionally undone look, as seen at the likes of Fendi, Loewe, and Balenciaga, creates an element of intrigue; the slouchy shape offers a sliver of a view into your purse’s contents.—
Abby Morgan Lebet,
Glamour,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosened. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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