loosened; loosening
ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ 
ˈlüs-niŋ
1
: to release from restraint
2
: to make looser
loosened his tie
loosen a screw
3
: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4
: to cause or permit to become less strict
—often used with up
loosened the rules
: to become loose or looser
Examples of loosen in a Sentence
He used a spade to loosen the soil.
She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan.
After eating so much I had to loosen my belt.
When the meeting was over he loosened his tie.
One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened.
Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior.
Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.
Recent Examples on the Web
If soil was prepared earlier in the year, rake the area again before seeding to loosen the soil and remove debris.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
By Sarah Han 12 Best Face Massagers to Lift and Sculpt Your Skin
These spa-level devices loosen tight spots while reducing puffiness.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
The new deal for Lea also comes as speculation grows that the incoming Trump administration may loosen regulations to allow more M&A.
Lea had been executive vp global government affairs at Viacom since 2013 and began her career there in 1997.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Shamim Chowdhury Freelance Content Reporter 0 Chinese leaders in Beijing have pledged to take bold steps toward bolstering the country's economy by loosening monetary policy and adopting a more proactive fiscal approach.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loosen 
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
By Sarah Han 12 Best Face Massagers to Lift and Sculpt Your Skin
These spa-level devices loosen tight spots while reducing puffiness.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
The new deal for Lea also comes as speculation grows that the incoming Trump administration may loosen regulations to allow more M&A.
Lea had been executive vp global government affairs at Viacom since 2013 and began her career there in 1997.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024
Shamim Chowdhury Freelance Content Reporter 0 Chinese leaders in Beijing have pledged to take bold steps toward bolstering the country's economy by loosening monetary policy and adopting a more proactive fiscal approach.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for loosen
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Dictionary Entries Near loosen
Cite this Entry
“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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