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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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

A squirt of dish soap, a cup of hot water, a few pulses to loosen the worst of it—then a quick pass with a brush.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2026

Without stronger social safety nets — healthcare, pensions, unemployment support — households have little incentive to loosen their grip on cash.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Some countries have already announced domestic price caps or cut fuel taxes, while others are pushing for the EU to loosen its carbon-emissions trading scheme and to alter how electricity prices are set.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

I blinked and took a long breath, trying to loosen the fist around my heart.

From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez

Vocabulary lists containing loosen

"The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet"

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