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
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
This worldwide experiment is loosey-goosey and carries weighty consequences.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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
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
This worldwide experiment is loosey-goosey and carries weighty consequences.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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
-
Their second meeting, in Lisbon on February 17, gave the lie to any suggestions that Mourinho, 63, is now a more mellow character.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Conato Perfect for a mellow night out after a day of exploring, Conato features a warm atmosphere in a rustic outdoor setting.—
Regina Zumarraga,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Its steering and suspension produce a smoother ride quality than most average cars, trucks or SUVs can provide.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
The $925 pale gold style came down to one smooth toe band, a thin ankle strap and a high pin heel, set against a strapless ankle-length dress worked in tight rows of silver and gold beading.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
11 May 2026
Adjective
-
This style appeals for its timeless charm and ability to feel collected and lived-in over time.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
27 Apr. 2026
-
For one, Palestine by Joe Sacco, which found its way onto academic syllabi before gaining steam as a collected volume of graphic reporting.—
Kat Chen,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Late contributions from Diggins and Elizabeth Williams provided a calm closing act, with the Sky outscoring the hosts 30-16 in the fourth quarter.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
-
The moment of calm belies what is turning out to be an unstoppable year for the Colombian, who FIFA announced on Friday as one of the stars headlining the World Cup’s opening ceremony in Mexico City on June 11.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Snelling recalled telling Carpenter, who responded with a rather nonchalant question.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
With all due respect to lace shorts, nonchalant track shorts are already the most coveted shorts of the moment.—
Tatiana Ojea,
Glamour,
3 May 2026
Adjective
-
Stay steady rather than reacting too quickly.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
The traditional approach to higher inflation and a steady labor market normally would argue against cuts.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
8 May 2026
Adjective
-
While Jaquez did not provide the eye-popping scoring of some of her teammates, the wing brought a cool effectiveness to the defensive side of the ball while tallying a pair of assists and a handful of deflections.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2026
-
Pair white jeans with a black tee for timeless contrast, layer a white denim jacket with a flowy dress on spring days, or style white shorts and skirts with lightweight tops to stay cool all summer.—
Published,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
On an island with no shortage of luxury hotels, this one sets itself apart with its easygoing approach and genuine Italian hospitality.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 May 2026
-
Throw in some festival-ready additions—an oversized graphic tee, simple sneakers, an easygoing bandana—to master the art of high-low styling.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosey-goosey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosey-goosey. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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