on the loose

phrase

: able to move freely : not controlled or held in a prison, cage, etc.
—used especially to describe a dangerous person, animal, or group
The prisoner escaped and is still on the loose.
A killer is on the loose.
An angry mob was on the loose.

Examples of on the loose in a Sentence

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Investigators believe the two suspects were shooting at each other and, although one remained on the loose, Assistant Seattle Police Chief Tyrone Davis told a news conference Sunday night that there was no ongoing threat to the public. — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 Police said he was shot after arguing with two men, who fled the place and remained on the loose. — Julian Roberts-Grmela, New York Daily News, 18 July 2026 Gordon showed speed and smarts to pounce on the loose ball and quickly find the feet of his captain. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Why This Wolf Matters Beyond the Headlines Neukgu isn’t just any zoo animal on the loose. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the loose

Rhymes for on the loose

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Browse Nearby Words

on the lookout for
on the loose
on the make
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Cite this Entry

“On the loose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20loose. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on on the loose

Nglish: Translation of on the loose for Spanish Speakers

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