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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of loosen (up)
Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Even corporate America is loosening up: companies like Amazon have dropped pre-employment weed testing for most jobs.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Regardless of your cabinet’s material, most superficial stains can be removed with a mild dish soap solution, and stubborn ones will loosen up with a baking soda paste.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
The pair met on set for a commercial in the 1980s, where Jennifer, who had worked as a model and actress, helped the professional football player loosen up during the shoot.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)
Verb
Sometimes, using a physical tool—like Play-Doh, Legos, or even a fidget toy—can help loosen up the mind and encourage new ways of thinking.
—Amy Blankson, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Even corporate America is loosening up: companies like Amazon have dropped pre-employment weed testing for most jobs.
—Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Regardless of your cabinet’s material, most superficial stains can be removed with a mild dish soap solution, and stubborn ones will loosen up with a baking soda paste.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
The pair met on set for a commercial in the 1980s, where Jennifer, who had worked as a model and actress, helped the professional football player loosen up during the shoot.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 31 Jan. 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 12 Mar. 2025.
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