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
For example, the agency simplified forms that disaster victims must fill out to apply for money, loosened requirements to prove residency and made some money for essential items like food and diapers available immediately.
—
Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 5 June 2025
According to a report from the group State Democracy Defenders Action, Trump’s venture into crypto products has increased his family’s wealth by billions of dollars in the past six months alone — all occurring while the government loosens its approach to regulating the digital currency industry.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
Reactivating a difficult memory—loosening the cement, so to speak—requires just a fleeting recollection.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
The collar uses a thumbscrew to set tension; just loosen it a bit and the lens will rotate a full 360 degrees, then tighten to lock it in place.
—PC Magazine, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 5 June 2025
According to a report from the group State Democracy Defenders Action, Trump’s venture into crypto products has increased his family’s wealth by billions of dollars in the past six months alone — all occurring while the government loosens its approach to regulating the digital currency industry.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 5 June 2025
Reactivating a difficult memory—loosening the cement, so to speak—requires just a fleeting recollection.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 2 June 2025
The collar uses a thumbscrew to set tension; just loosen it a bit and the lens will rotate a full 360 degrees, then tighten to lock it in place.
—PC Magazine, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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You First Blanco and Gomez got engaged in December 2024 Benny Blanco just wants to relax!—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
13 June 2025
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The decision appeared to relax a clampdown on America’s second-largest international student group.—
Julia Wick,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Just three days later, Apple released a second build of the first beta — that’s unprecedentedly soon.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
15 June 2025
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His meme coin $TRUMP was not part of the form as it was only released this year.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
15 June 2025
Verb
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Eventually Trump let slip that he was disappointed in his former adviser, prompting Musk to unleash a flood of insults and taunts.—
Chris Megerian,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
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The remarks refer to a sweeping campaign unleashed by Xi with an aim to purge religious faiths of foreign influence and align them more closely with traditional Chinese culture – and the authoritarian rule of the officially atheist Communist Party.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Higher oil prices from the Middle East conflict likely further reduce the odds the Fed will ease monetary policy anytime soon.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
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Chase impressed us all with his stamina, good spirits, and ease around grown-ups.—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2025
Verb
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With its easy setup and free unlimited storage, family members can instantly share photos from anywhere.—
Jené Luciani Sena
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
7 June 2025
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Experts agree that the new political landscape has freed up states to explore other methods that may have struggled to hold up under a more liberal court.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
6 June 2025
Verb
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The same technology that could liberate human curiosity could just as easily extinguish it.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2025
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By the end of the session in August, Congress codified a process for Butler-like actions by army officers to assume jurisdiction over any enslaved people who liberated themselves by sneaking into Union lines.—
Zaakir Tameez
June 11,
Literary Hub,
11 June 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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But Brad Marchand rescued the Panthers with the Marchand Miracle, a goal in the second overtime for a 5-4 road win and 1-1 series heading back to South Florida for Game 3 Monday night.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
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Stern, a multiple-tour combat veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy who now rescues people for a living, told Fox News Digital.—
Audrey Conklin,
FOXNews.com,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
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