as in to facilitate
to free from obstruction or difficulty
hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to relax
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loosen (up)
Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Anyone who’s perpetually stressed about how things get done or thrives off a clear plan has probably been told to loosen up and learn how to be less controlling.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 July 2025
This year is your turn to enjoy life and loosen up a bit.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
For example, do it in the morning to invigorate yourself before jumping into work, in the evening to loosen up after a long day of sitting, or both.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)
Verb
For karaoke, the Soundcore Rave 3S AI Karaoke Party Speaker helps guests loosen up.
—Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Anyone who’s perpetually stressed about how things get done or thrives off a clear plan has probably been told to loosen up and learn how to be less controlling.
—Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 July 2025
This year is your turn to enjoy life and loosen up a bit.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
For example, do it in the morning to invigorate yourself before jumping into work, in the evening to loosen up after a long day of sitting, or both.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)
Cite this Entry
“Loosen (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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