loosen up

verb

loosened up; loosening up; loosens up
Synonyms of loosen upnext

intransitive verb

: to become less tense : relax

Examples of loosen up in a Sentence

hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beckham isn’t the only one loosening up their summer style with a lacy slip skirt. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026 This can be avoided by squatting, stretching and loosening up your joints before jumping. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 First, steam clean the drain using the nozzle attachment to loosen up the mold. Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 Instead, Paul grew a little tight on important points just as Cerúndolo, who had spent most of the match in that state, started to loosen up a little. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen up

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen up was in 1922

Cite this Entry

“Loosen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen%20up. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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