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.

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

Meanwhile, in the U.S., a company launched by the former head of Glencore’s recycling business wants to harvest metals from old electronics as the U.S. seeks to loosen China’s grip on refining.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

"I assure you Reform UK has absolutely no plans to loosen gun laws. My previous comments referred to the impracticality of laws affecting competitive sports," it read.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

The feet and sides loosen as we lift together.

From "Merci Suárez Changes Gears" by Meg Medina

loosen

Example Sentences

Related Words