LOOSEN UP Synonyms: 75 Similar and Opposite Words

loosen (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of loosen (up)

as in to facilitate

to free from obstruction or difficulty hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loosen up

2 of 2

verb (2)

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

tense (up)

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of loosen (up)

Verb

Beckham isn’t the only one loosening up their summer style with a lacy slip skirt. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026 This can be avoided by squatting, stretching and loosening up your joints before jumping. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 First, steam clean the drain using the nozzle attachment to loosen up the mold. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 June 2026 The market could loosen up if mortgage rates were to ease, Ken Johnson, a real estate economist at the University of Mississippi. — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for loosen (up)

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen (up)

Verb

The problem, however, is that the legislation would allow the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top buyers of Russian oil and gas, and on countries that facilitate Russian sanctions evasion.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 30 July 2026
Detroit’s announcement said Yzerman will remain in his current role to facilitate day-to-day hockey operations in the interim, but for any major transactions, there’s a clear incentive for the next general manager to set the direction.

— Max Bultman, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of facilitate

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loosens up

loosen (up)

loosen up

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“Loosen (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen%20%28up%29. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of loosen (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

Example Sentences

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