loosening (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of loosen (up)
as in facilitating
to free from obstruction or difficulty hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

loosening up

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of loosen up
as in relaxing
to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of loosening (up)
Verb
Steve Madden Lennox Taupe Suede After seasons of structured, second-skin silhouettes, boots are finally loosening up. — Camila Quimper, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 As fashion’s game of musical chairs slows down, Milan’s newest creative directors are loosening up the codes at some of Italy's most storied brands. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 There’s a spa, steam room, oxygen lounge, and meditation room for loosening up both muscles and mind. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026 But lately, she’s been loosening up her minimalist approach, experimenting with brighter colors and unexpected combinations that make her everyday outfits feel fresh. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 10 July 2026 Beckham isn’t the only one loosening up their summer style with a lacy slip skirt. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 2 July 2026 This can be avoided by squatting, stretching and loosening up your joints before jumping. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 If the plant was root bound in its pot, consider pulling it out of the ground, loosening up the roots so water can penetrate, and replanting it. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 June 2026 Dulude suggests loosening up the food particles on the microwave walls by placing a bowl of water inside with half a lemon and using a high setting to boil the water. — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosening (up)
  1. facilitating
  2. relaxing
  3. winding down
  4. chilling out
Verb
  • American strategy toward Europe and East Asia has been a steady and cost-effective success, facilitating great-power peace since 1945.
    — Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • And good for Stuart and Eidra for confirming her new perception of the situation and facilitating a new plan to circumvent Todd’s participation in her conversation with Vaughn.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of facilitating
Verb
  • After exploring or relaxing by the pool, head to the freestanding infrared sauna with optional salt halotherapy.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The layout is geared toward indoor-outdoor living, with ample space for relaxing and entertaining across four decks.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of relaxing
Verb
  • With the first half winding down, Jones’ 17-yard completion to Dallas Wilson on fourth-and-12 from the Texas 36 saved the day for Florida and provided the 19-year-old a shot of confidence.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2026
  • On the other hand, an agent trained on company context can see the decline, and tell whether this is because the company is deliberately winding down specific segments of the business.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of winding down
Verb
  • Yes, those are real reindeer chilling out in kiddie swimming pools during this hot Missouri summer.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • The beds are large and comfy, and the rooms have plenty of space for chilling out after a long day.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026
Definition of chilling out

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Cite this Entry

“Loosening (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosening%20%28up%29. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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