as in facilitating
to free from obstruction or difficulty
hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loosening (up)
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
After the ceasefire, oil prices plunged and bond yields fell, loosening up some of the cost crunch for consumers and businesses alike.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Dulude suggests loosening up the food particles on the microwave walls by placing a bowl of water inside with half a lemon and using a high setting to boil the water.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Men, once largely confined to safe tuxedos, began loosening up.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Inventory loosening up One sign the housing market is loosening is an increasing ratio of sellers to buyers.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Part of that is loosening up streamers’ bids for lengthy contract terms on series, potentially in exchange for less money.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
If the plant was root bound in its pot, consider pulling it out of the ground, loosening up the roots so water can penetrate, and replanting it.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
After the ceasefire, oil prices plunged and bond yields fell, loosening up some of the cost crunch for consumers and businesses alike.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Dulude suggests loosening up the food particles on the microwave walls by placing a bowl of water inside with half a lemon and using a high setting to boil the water.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Men, once largely confined to safe tuxedos, began loosening up.
—Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026
Inventory loosening up One sign the housing market is loosening is an increasing ratio of sellers to buyers.
—Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Part of that is loosening up streamers’ bids for lengthy contract terms on series, potentially in exchange for less money.
—K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosening (up)
Verb
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Intergovernmental organizations have an important role to play in facilitating dialogue, supporting alignment between regulatory approaches and encouraging shared standards that protect both innovation and institutional integrity.—
Ekramy El Zaghat,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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In a collection of tributes published by Options, a Malaysian lifestyle publication, Papermoon remembered Willie’s skills at facilitating connections among Southeast Asian artists.—
Leigh Anne Miller,
ARTnews.com,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Lacoo Zero Gravity Chairs, Set of 2 Transform your outdoor area into a relaxing retreat with these ergonomic lounge chairs.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
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Cannabis beverages are one of the industry's fastest-growing categories, attracting consumers looking for relaxing alternatives to alcohol.—
Peter Su,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Verb
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With first-half injury time winding down, Malik Tillman weighted a long pass to a streaking Balogun, who held up to create space and fired a brilliant shot into the far top corner.—
Greg Beacham,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
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The resort's airy suites with private terraces are ideal for winding down in solitude, while its pool and holistic spa round out the experience.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
10 June 2026
Verb
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What had seemed like a good way of chilling out was actually plunging me into a kind of crisis.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
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If holiday burnout has you in the mood for rest and relaxation, the star advises taking a break to enjoy one of her favorite holiday traditions—chilling out at home with the family.—
Essence,
Essence,
15 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosening (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosening%20%28up%29. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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