Synonyms of loosening (up)

loosening (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of loosen (up)

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

• facilitating
• paving the way (for)
• accelerating
• improving
• promoting
• easing
• simplifying
• smoothing
• greasing
• straightening (out)
• speeding
• assisting
• unclogging
• helping
• aiding
• expediting
• quickening
• furthering
• forwarding
• hurrying
• hastening
• rushing
• abetting
• advancing
• streamlining
• disentangling
• untangling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• complicating
• impeding
• hindering
• worsening
• retarding
• aggravating
• perplexing
• sophisticating

loosening up

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of loosen up

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

• relaxing
• hanging loose
• winding down
• mellowing (out)
• chilling out
• resting
• chilling
• unwinding
• decompressing
• hanging (around or out)
• kicking back
• composing
• hacking (around)
• goofing (off)
• vegging out
• zoning out
• basking
• de-stressing
• settling
• unbending
• lounging
• idling
• comforting
• cooling
• calming
• alleviating
• lazing
• bumming
• loafing
• reposing
• lolling
• relieving
• dawdling
• easing
• droning
• vegetating
• dillydallying
• quieting
• footling
• dallying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tensing (up)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of loosening (up)

Verb

There’s a spa, steam room, oxygen lounge, and meditation room for loosening up both muscles and mind. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

But lately, she’s been loosening up her minimalist approach, experimenting with brighter colors and unexpected combinations that make her everyday outfits feel fresh. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 10 July 2026

Beckham isn’t the only one loosening up their summer style with a lacy slip skirt. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026

This can be avoided by squatting, stretching and loosening up your joints before jumping. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026

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