as in mellow
chiefly US, informal
very loose or relaxed
The assistant manager had a loosey-goosey attitude about the store's return policy.
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Recent Examples of loosey-goosey
Rather than being sloppy and loosey-goosey by simply referring to AI detection, the lawmakers would be better advised to concentrate on what the AI does once the nearly automatic semblance of detection takes place anyway.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
This isn’t to say McDermott has become loosey-goosey.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
As Prynoski runs a quick session, the loosey-goosey fantasy RPG-meets-drinking game — whose kookily illustrated cards and dice all glow under blacklights — feels oddly like a natural next step for Titmouse.
—James Grebey, Rolling Stone, 28 Nov. 2025
If things are left too loosey-goosey and vague, that can result in mixed expectations within your organization.
—Kathleen Walch, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
While their Afrocentric paeans to the motherland signal a commitment to Black uplift, their loosey-goosey grooves—plundered from records by Mandrill, Manu Dibango, and Kool & the Gang, and frequently scratched straight from turntables to tape—drink from a deep well of pure pleasure.
—Pitchfork, 30 Sep. 2025
Dogma is having a resurgence; Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is similarly satirical in that loosey-goosey way Smith does so well.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
This isn’t to say McDermott has become loosey-goosey.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
As Prynoski runs a quick session, the loosey-goosey fantasy RPG-meets-drinking game — whose kookily illustrated cards and dice all glow under blacklights — feels oddly like a natural next step for Titmouse.
—James Grebey, Rolling Stone, 28 Nov. 2025
If things are left too loosey-goosey and vague, that can result in mixed expectations within your organization.
—Kathleen Walch, Fortune, 11 Nov. 2025
While their Afrocentric paeans to the motherland signal a commitment to Black uplift, their loosey-goosey grooves—plundered from records by Mandrill, Manu Dibango, and Kool & the Gang, and frequently scratched straight from turntables to tape—drink from a deep well of pure pleasure.
—Pitchfork, 30 Sep. 2025
Dogma is having a resurgence; Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back is similarly satirical in that loosey-goosey way Smith does so well.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosey-goosey
Adjective
-
Consider shallots for a softer touch, sweet onions for a deep yet mellow flavor, or red onions for a pleasant tangy quality.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2026
-
Scallion Oil Noodles Scallion oil noodles, a specialty of Shanghai and the greater Jiangnan region in eastern China, showcase the allium sweetness and mellow pungency of one of the most versatile aromatics in Chinese cuisine.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Her voice startled me, both rough and smooth—like a bottle of whiskey set in front of a princess.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
But when a driver removes their foot from the Air’s accelerator, speed reduction is smooth.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
There is a music room with an upright piano, wind-up gramophone and the collected lyrics of Bob Dylan—a perfect touch for the pop star.—
Ruchira Sharma,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
-
Instead, embrace a collected look for a more stylish space.—
Sarah Lyon,
The Spruce,
2 June 2026
Adjective
-
Here, the threat may arrive with a badge, a laptop bag and a calm voice.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
Your 4th House of Home warms as Venus, planet of values, shifts in, encouraging careful upgrades that make daily life feel calm and genuinely cozy.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Behind the black shades, the 22-year-old looked like a mirror image of her mom, channeling Paltrow's signature nonchalant pose.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
5 June 2026
-
The toxic dating myth that's derailing our relationships Being unbothered and nonchalant has become a dating ideal, accelerated by a swiping culture that has eroded our ability to connect in person.—
Sabrina Romanoff,
CNBC,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
Leo July 23 – August 22 Morning feels steady, afternoon asks for courage.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 June 2026
-
When passengers see one person waiting, others assume there will be a wait and join in turning a brief lull into a steady backup.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Make sure the oven is completely cool before cleaning.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
13 June 2026
-
Nothing plays up dark mocha or cool raven hair like warm cinnamon balayage.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Since the Brazilian brand launched in 1962, its simple rubber sandals have become a warm-weather staple, beloved by celebrities and the fashion set for their easygoing nature.—
Christina Holevas,
Vogue,
11 June 2026
-
And with their easygoing approach this year, the WGA, at least, received a $321 million infusion into its health plan.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosey-goosey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosey-goosey. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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