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
Relevance
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
With the help of California State Parks workers, officers loosened the net to free the bear while keeping clear of the wary mom, officials said.
—
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
Her body breaking, quietly—teeth loosening, bones turning soft.
—Noel Ransome, Essence, 15 May 2025
And even Goldman Sachs has tried loosening its necktie and softening its image to attract younger, more socially conscious talent.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
The screws may loosen and allow engine oil to leak from the screw holes, according to the recall report.
—James Powel, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2025
Her body breaking, quietly—teeth loosening, bones turning soft.
—Noel Ransome, Essence, 15 May 2025
And even Goldman Sachs has tried loosening its necktie and softening its image to attract younger, more socially conscious talent.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
The screws may loosen and allow engine oil to leak from the screw holes, according to the recall report.
—James Powel, USA Today, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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But when Steven and Robin stop by Eileen’s house after returning from a relaxing cruise, their lives will never be the same.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
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Or Martha’s Vineyard to relax around the shores with their families.—
Taylor Crumpton,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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The Devil Wears Prada 2, a sequel to the 2006 film that starred Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci, is now set to release May 1.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
23 May 2025
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The game was officially released on May 22, 1980 in Japanese arcades before launching in the United States in October 1980, according to the Pac-Man website.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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After decades of unleashing all sorts of brilliant, transcendental digs to people of all races and backgrounds, has Patti LuPone gone too far by doubling down on her feud with two prestigious actresses of color?—
Raven Smith,
Vogue,
28 May 2025
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In April, the IMF said global GDP would rise by 2.8% this year, down from a previous estimate of 3.2%, citing the uncertainty unleashed by Trump’s barrage of new tariffs on America’s trading partners.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Babies love latching onto the soft, squishy silicone, easing the transition from breast- to bottlefeeding, and the anti-colic valve means there will be fewer burps.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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And deficit hawks may be happy to cut back on green-energy projects and rural-hospital funding pots of money, but that won’t ease the sting of this bill’s overall price tag.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.—
Jong Eun Lee,
The Conversation,
29 May 2025
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He was freed on parole from the Terre Haute, Indiana, federal penitentiary on Nov. 30, 1948, after serving 32 months of his five-year prison sentence.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Season 2 offers a chilling, darkly hilarious and oddly liberating spin on a bad day at the office.—
Michael Ordoña,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Even drinking a large glass of water can remind you to turn off the work-thoughts and liberate yourself to focus on everything else.—
Tracy Brower,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered dozens of bodies.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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Not long after that, Garland also rescued Dangermouse, whose eye had to be removed at around 12 weeks old due to an infection.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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