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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.

In November, parliament voted to replace a longstanding requirement to maintain a state surplus with a new balanced-budget rule, allowing the state to loosen its purse strings.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

Add a little water to loosen it if needed.

From Salon • May 5, 2026

The lawsuit, which has yet to go to trial, seeks a permanent injunction that would prohibit Amazon from engaging in unlawful conduct and loosen its “monopolistic control to restore competition.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Robinhood stock was up 9% in mid-Wednesday trading—having climbed over 10% the previous session—following the SEC’s Tuesday decision to loosen margin borrowing rules for day traders.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

When we were out in public, they were silent and hyperalert, but anytime we were backstage or on plane rides, they’d loosen up, sharing stories and joking around.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Vocabulary lists containing loosen

"The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet"

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