1
as in to relax
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to release
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 to unleash
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 loosen
The elastic waistband comes with a bungee cord that can tighten or loosen the waist as needed, too.
—
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025
Like Waller, Bowman has generally voted with Powell in favor of loosening bank regulations and gradually reducing interest rates, but recently broke from the pack and called for a cut as soon as July.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 30 June 2025
High pressure can loosen gutter joints, damage brackets, and even fully detach the gutters from the sides of your home.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
Artificial implants naturally wear out or loosen with time and activity.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2025
Like Waller, Bowman has generally voted with Powell in favor of loosening bank regulations and gradually reducing interest rates, but recently broke from the pack and called for a cut as soon as July.
—Sylvan Lane, The Hill, 30 June 2025
High pressure can loosen gutter joints, damage brackets, and even fully detach the gutters from the sides of your home.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2025
Artificial implants naturally wear out or loosen with time and activity.
—Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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First, around 2019, Beijing began relaxing its attitude toward Pyongyang.—
ANDREI LANKOV,
Foreign Affairs,
8 July 2025
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For now, McKinstry has plans to relax on a lake with his agent in the Pacific Northwest.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Just last month, Stray Kids released its new EP, Hollow, but the project didn’t make much of a commercial impact in the United States.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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Brian Barry-Murphy, a former Manchester City academy coach, has been handed the task of leading a considerable rebuild after nine players, including Bale’s former Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey and ex-club captain Joe Ralls, were released this summer.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
9 July 2025
Verb
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More gossip was unleashed when Albert was photographed with his son Alexandre Grimaldi, daughter Jazmin Grace Grimaldi and Nicole Coste, Alexandre’s mother, in 2023.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
14 July 2025
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Matteson said another natural disaster could happen living so close to the Guadalupe River, which rose after slow-moving thunderstorms unleashed a summer’s worth of rain in a few hours.—
Taylor Galgano,
CNN Money,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The city would also have to implement measures to fast-track developments with affordable housing in more affluent, majority-white neighborhoods by easing zoning restrictions and approvals, per the agreement, sources who were privy to the negotiations said.—
Lizzie Kane,
Chicago Tribune,
9 July 2025
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Being prepared also eases the emotional drain and financial instability that can occur when a career curveball, such as a layoff, catches you off guard.—
Kevin Walters,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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The raptor stayed on top of her, even as the woman’s partner tried to free her.—
Joshua Rapp Learn,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 July 2025
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And, of course, using social media less could also free up more time for parents to spend playing with their kids.—
Kara Alaimo,
CNN Money,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Determined to liberate Panem, Katniss and her fellow rebels embark on a dangerous journey into the heart of the Capitol to save the nation from President Snow’s tyranny once and for all.—
Kelly Martinez Published,
EW.com,
5 July 2025
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Technology leaders must liberate their technology roadmap to serve the business first and technology vendors last.—
Rob LaMear,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
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Also, though, NIL and transfer portal has loosed college coaches (UCLA) who ‘embolden’ QB Dads by luring kids/families to leave for even more money.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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Ro has loosed them upon the galaxy, striking fear into the heart of even the most stalwart Jedi.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.—
Olivia Stevens,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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Two residents were rescued from windows as the house burned.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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