loosen up

verb

loosened up; loosening up; loosens up

intransitive verb

: to become less tense : relax

Examples of loosen up in a Sentence

hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China had been loosening up with more U.S. films than ever finding a berth over the past few years. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025 Many said Edgewater and Uptown were becoming too expensive for renters and new housing would loosen up the market, help address Chicago’s affordable housing crisis, and bring in thousands of new customers for local businesses. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2025 Being a yapper and a party animal isn’t your usual, but right now is the time to loosen up and enjoy the magic of interconnectedness. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 Down the stretch, Drake finally loosened up and made layup after layup against Mizzou’s pressing defense, with Stirtz delivering the passes to put the game out of reach. Cj Moore, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loosen up

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen up was in 1922

Cite this Entry

“Loosen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen%20up. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!