as in facilitated
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 relaxed
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 loosened (up)
ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
At the show's afterparty, Browne and his models—some still wearing the metallic hair adornments from the show—loosened up a bit as a DJ positioned in one corner of the tent attempted to manifest Latifah with a quick mix of her hits.
—Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Skarsgård explained that the same thing was applied to his facial expressions, to assure that the character loosened up over the course of the film.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
Millions of Americans, especially the richest, took advantage of the ultra-low interest rates during the pandemic, when the Fed loosened up monetary policy to shore up the economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
And though this slick east-side restaurant has loosened up a bit, the razor-sharp staff still runs the place like the fine-dining spectacle it's been for 20 years, with perfect pacing and so much poise.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The previous week, Emily was at a sleepover at Heather’s house with Gretchen, when Gretchen, loosened up by shots of Fireball whiskey, revealed that Tamra once recorded a song, badly, according to Gretchen, with an unnamed boy band star that Gretchen claims Tamra got frisky with.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
But after a few uses and washes, it’s loosened up and now feels perfect for the combination of my head and hair size.
—Ayana Underwood, Outside, 20 Sep. 2025
The labor market that once felt tight has loosened up—supply of workers is outweighing demand.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
But France loosened up and Italy fired back with a Capuozzo try and a Paolo Garbisi penalty.
—ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026
At the show's afterparty, Browne and his models—some still wearing the metallic hair adornments from the show—loosened up a bit as a DJ positioned in one corner of the tent attempted to manifest Latifah with a quick mix of her hits.
—Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Skarsgård explained that the same thing was applied to his facial expressions, to assure that the character loosened up over the course of the film.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Jan. 2026
Millions of Americans, especially the richest, took advantage of the ultra-low interest rates during the pandemic, when the Fed loosened up monetary policy to shore up the economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 27 Dec. 2025
And though this slick east-side restaurant has loosened up a bit, the razor-sharp staff still runs the place like the fine-dining spectacle it's been for 20 years, with perfect pacing and so much poise.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
The previous week, Emily was at a sleepover at Heather’s house with Gretchen, when Gretchen, loosened up by shots of Fireball whiskey, revealed that Tamra once recorded a song, badly, according to Gretchen, with an unnamed boy band star that Gretchen claims Tamra got frisky with.
—Peter Larsen, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
But after a few uses and washes, it’s loosened up and now feels perfect for the combination of my head and hair size.
—Ayana Underwood, Outside, 20 Sep. 2025
The labor market that once felt tight has loosened up—supply of workers is outweighing demand.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosened (up)
Verb
-
Groundbreaking direct talks between Israel and Lebanon, facilitated by the United States, produced the ceasefire that began on April 17 and has been extended into June.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
According to its website, Kars4Kids has facilitated the donation of more than 500,000 cars.—
Francie Ebert,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
Verb
-
The group also relaxed and celebrated at Taboo Beach Club.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
The slightly oversized top balances the slim maxi skirt, creating a look that feels relaxed yet refined.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Loosened (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosened%20%28up%29. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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