1
as in loose
not bound, confined, or detained by force
after having been chained for so long, the suddenly footloose dog ran helter-skelter about the yard
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in freewheeling
not held back by rules, duties, or worries
wished I could be as carefree as that footloose toddler
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Recent Examples of footloose
These natural attributes no longer matter as firms are attracted to cities where footloose knowledge workers congregate.
—
Ian Goldin, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2023
The result is footloose foreign capital flows out of emerging markets that are deemed riskier.
—Cristina Bodea, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2023
In step with policymakers in the Biden administration, the authors point to the need for fundamental changes in how governments tax corporate profits in a world of footloose balance sheets.
—Michael Keen and Joel Slemrod, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021
Tip the world, and the fearful and the timid, nailed securely and drearily in place, would stay put — but the footloose and bold and adventuresome would roll into L.A. and remake themselves.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for footloose
Ian Goldin, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2023
The result is footloose foreign capital flows out of emerging markets that are deemed riskier.
—Cristina Bodea, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2023
In step with policymakers in the Biden administration, the authors point to the need for fundamental changes in how governments tax corporate profits in a world of footloose balance sheets.
—Michael Keen and Joel Slemrod, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021
Tip the world, and the fearful and the timid, nailed securely and drearily in place, would stay put — but the footloose and bold and adventuresome would roll into L.A. and remake themselves.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2023
See All Example Sentences for footloose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for footloose
Adjective
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Leaders must actively value, retain, and leverage the knowledge of experienced workers—or brace for turbulence far worse than a loose airplane door.—
Dan Pontefract,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
1 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Now, China is putting its freewheeling facial recognition industry on notice.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
30 July 2021
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Incongruity isn’t seen as a blemish, and the lyrics tend to be more freewheeling and braggadocious.—
Sheldon Pearc,
The New Yorker,
30 June 2021
Adjective
-
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Pair it with sandals and sneakers for a casual outing, or zhuzh it up with wedges or flats for a more formal occasion.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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As dating moves from casual texts to deeper emotional investment, people begin to ask themselves important internal questions, often without realizing it.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Other policies vastly expand federal power, such as his expansion of an imperial presidency unbound by congressional or judicial restraint.—
Steven Greenhut,
Orange County Register,
21 Feb. 2025
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Casa Batlló and Casa Milá give you a glimpse into the fluid thoughts and unbound creativity that make Gaudi’s works architectural wonders.—
Rebecca Deurlein,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Footloose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/footloose. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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