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.

As the pH shifts, the molecular bonds holding the tissue rigid begin to loosen.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

Reliving those feelings as an adult allowed their grip to loosen, Dan explained.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Once everything had collapsed into a jammy, fragrant base, I added a splash of water and a little bouillon to loosen the sauce into something stew-adjacent before cracking eggs directly into the skillet.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

The sanctions come in the week of ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Cuban officials that seek to loosen the current regime’s hold on Cuba.

From Barron's • May 1, 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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loosen

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing loosen

"The Earth Under Sky Bear's Feet"