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
The bill also loosens rules around building increasingly popular accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — such as granny flats, in-law suites or backyard cottages — alongside existing structures.
—
Bob Woods, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
So Suzuki, a former catcher, tried to loosen him up by telling him a story.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
Other people’s reactions bleed into your own experience; the boundary between self and crowd loosens.
—Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump has given Iran the deadline to loosen its grip on the critical maritime passage for the oil and shipping trades after extending his initial deadline Monday evening by five days, citing progress in peace negotiations.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Bob Woods, CNBC, 29 Mar. 2026
So Suzuki, a former catcher, tried to loosen him up by telling him a story.
—Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 28 Mar. 2026
Other people’s reactions bleed into your own experience; the boundary between self and crowd loosens.
—Yook Jihun, Popular Science, 26 Mar. 2026
Trump has given Iran the deadline to loosen its grip on the critical maritime passage for the oil and shipping trades after extending his initial deadline Monday evening by five days, citing progress in peace negotiations.
—Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
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Meditation exercises can set the stage for a good night’s sleep, and an inexpensive noise machine can help with relaxing sounds.—
Sharon Basaraba,
Verywell Health,
3 Apr. 2026
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Following the ride, we were treated to a charcuterie spread, champagne and a campfire to unwind and relax after our outing on the trails.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In 2024, the Pentagon released hundreds of reports of unidentified and unexplained aerial phenomena.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
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The cause of the woman's death has not yet been determined, and police have not released her name.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This crisis is a direct result of chaos unleashed on the American people by Democrats in Congress.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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After a quick hit-ahead pass, Mullins got the ball back and unleashed a 35-foot 3-pointer for the win.—
Rohan Nadkarni,
NBC news,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Taubel believes some of the supply problems have eased as early cultivator licensees' initial plants have fully grown and are cultivated.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Reopening the Strait for food and fertilizer shipments would send an immediate signal to markets, ease pressure on vulnerable populations, and remind all parties that even now, a narrow channel for reason exists.—
Comfort Ero,
Time,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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He has been freed from jail after posting $50,000 bail and is next due in court at the end of the month.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
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At a crowded news conference, boisterous supporters chanted to free Sarsour, recounting his advocacy for those in need.—
Sophia Tareen,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Get them, and liberate your ears with epic sound.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
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On Shabbat, the Acheinu, a prayer for liberating those held in captivity, was recited from the bimah, an elevated platform where sermons are often delivered.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Co-regulating your emotions alongside your toddler can help achieve a resolution to conflict without raising your voice or loosing your temper.—
Sara Rowe Mount,
Parents,
26 Jan. 2026
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Harrison is also a fan of the hair screw tool that’s designed to pick up long strands of hair and loose pet fur with ease.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But Emma said the Russian government showed little interest in rescuing her sister, pointing to Elizabeth's public opinions online as a human rights activist.—
Erin Moriarty,
CBS News,
29 Mar. 2026
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This gentle girl was a stray who was rescued and has adjusted well to her new environment.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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