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
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
The city has loosened the requirements to work at some small, shallow pools.
—
Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 25 May 2025
If the agency evaluates mifepristone again, and its staff are allowed to independently assess the science, the FDA could loosen its rules for mifepristone even more, Elizabeth Raymond, an ob-gyn and a researcher who specializes in mifepristone safety, told me.
—Keren Landman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
As demand for air travel softens, airlines are slashing fares, trimming routes and loosening pricing strategies to fill seats.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
To make Chicago work, the Bears needed to offer far more skin in the game, which meant loosening familial ownership and picking a different site.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Alyce McFadden, New York Times, 25 May 2025
If the agency evaluates mifepristone again, and its staff are allowed to independently assess the science, the FDA could loosen its rules for mifepristone even more, Elizabeth Raymond, an ob-gyn and a researcher who specializes in mifepristone safety, told me.
—Keren Landman, The Atlantic, 24 May 2025
As demand for air travel softens, airlines are slashing fares, trimming routes and loosening pricing strategies to fill seats.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
To make Chicago work, the Bears needed to offer far more skin in the game, which meant loosening familial ownership and picking a different site.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for loosen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosen
Verb
-
The lounge is outfitted with a luxurious sofa to relax in.—
Kimberley Mok,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2025
-
Tusk had promised to relax both bans, but they are supported by some of the more socially conservative lawmakers propping up his government, and the threat of a presidential veto likely renders any efforts at persuasion futile.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
An Arizona murderer was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison on May 27 after killing a second person only 16 days after he was released in 2020, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona.—
Christina Shaw,
FOXNews.com,
3 June 2025
-
Generic drugs, which are designed to provide the same therapeutic effects as brand-name ones and are released after their patents expire, account for 90% of all prescriptions in the US.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
After decades of unleashing all sorts of brilliant, transcendental digs to people of all races and backgrounds, has Patti LuPone gone too far by doubling down on her feud with two prestigious actresses of color?—
Raven Smith,
Vogue,
28 May 2025
-
In April, the IMF said global GDP would rise by 2.8% this year, down from a previous estimate of 3.2%, citing the uncertainty unleashed by Trump’s barrage of new tariffs on America’s trading partners.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
More international alignment might have eased the U.S. infant formula crisis in 2022, when contamination shut down an Abbott factory, leading to monthslong shortages for American parents, Young said.—
Jonel Aleccia,
Chicago Tribune,
3 June 2025
-
That same year, the FDA further eased several conditions with respect to the prescribing and sale of mifepristone.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
-
Then, in March, an appeals court acquitted Lee, freeing him to campaign in the snap election.—
Jong Eun Lee,
The Conversation,
29 May 2025
-
While that might not be for everyone, the principle stands: Fewer low-stakes choices free up capacity for high-impact thinking.—
Jacob Kupietzky,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
How did One Piece season 1 end? Season 1 of Netflix's One Piece adaptation ended with Luffy and the Straw Hat gang liberating Nami's hometown of Coco Village from Arlong (McKinley Belcher III), the spiky-nosed fish-man with hopes of turning the village into a fish-men empire.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
30 May 2025
-
In World War II, people liberated from Axis occupation welcomed Allied troops.—
Arthur I. Cyr,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Verb
-
Ro has loosed them upon the galaxy, striking fear into the heart of even the most stalwart Jedi.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
29 May 2025
-
Also, though, NIL and transfer portal has loosed college coaches (UCLA) who ‘embolden’ QB Dads by luring kids/families to leave for even more money.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
Not long after that, Garland also rescued Dangermouse, whose eye had to be removed at around 12 weeks old due to an infection.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
Israeli forces have rescued eight and recovered dozens of bodies.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosen. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share