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Showing results for loosen.
Definitions

loosen

[loo-suhn] / ˈlu sən /
VERB
unbind
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alleviate break up ease loose relax slacken undo unlock unscrew untie
STRONG
deliver detach discharge disconnect disengage disjoin emancipate extricate free liberate manumit mitigate release separate unbar unbolt unbuckle unbutton unchain unclasp unfasten unhitch unhook unlace unlash unleash unloose unpin unstrap
WEAK
become unfastened disenthrall ease off lax let go let out unfix unlatch unsnap unstick untighten work free work loose
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase tighten
STRONG
attach button combine confine connect couple detain engage fasten hitch hold hook imprison incarcerate join keep limit link restrain unite

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A rare decade-long interlude starting in 2011 saw the top brass loosen their grip and Suu Kyi's civilian government tentatively take the reins in a burst of optimism and reform.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

But after Argentine MPs this week passed government reforms to loosen the protection of glaciers, De Valle fears her vineyard's water supply is under threat.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

But Iran isn’t showing a willingness to loosen its grip.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

A can of white beans, drained and rinsed, goes in, along with enough water or stock to loosen it.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

The kind words from her parents made the knot in Sadako’s stomach loosen.

From "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr

Vocabulary lists containing loosen

"The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet"

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