loosened; loosening
ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈlüs-niŋ
1
: to release from restraint
2
: to make looser
loosened his tie
loosen a screw
3
: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4
: to cause or permit to become less strict
—often used with up
loosened the rules
: to become loose or looser
Examples of loosen in a Sentence
He used a spade to loosen the soil.
She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan.
After eating so much I had to loosen my belt.
When the meeting was over he loosened his tie.
One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened.
Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior.
Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.
Recent Examples on the Web
The screws designed to secure each leg can loosen over time, especially under pressure from a child leaning or pushing.
—
Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 June 2025
Although there are more limitations on what 529 funds can be applied to compared to Trump Accounts, restrictions have loosened in recent years to include continuing education classes, apprenticeship programs and student loan payments.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Still, analysts were upbeat about the prospects for the superpowers’ negotiations, pointing to Beijing’s decision to loosen controls on rare earths as a positive signal.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
In a post Friday on social media, the Freedom Caucus warned the Senate against loosening that restriction or others included in the bill.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
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Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 June 2025
Although there are more limitations on what 529 funds can be applied to compared to Trump Accounts, restrictions have loosened in recent years to include continuing education classes, apprenticeship programs and student loan payments.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 11 June 2025
Still, analysts were upbeat about the prospects for the superpowers’ negotiations, pointing to Beijing’s decision to loosen controls on rare earths as a positive signal.
—Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 10 June 2025
In a post Friday on social media, the Freedom Caucus warned the Senate against loosening that restriction or others included in the bill.
—Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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