LOOSENS (UP) Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

loosens (up) 1 of 2

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of loosen (up)

as in facilitates

to free from obstruction or difficulty hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street

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loosens up

2 of 2

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of loosen up

as in relaxes

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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tenses (up)

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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 loosens (up)

Verb

The two eventually connect and learn from each other; Ray loosens up and Molly grows up. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 The hot queso frito loaded with Oaxaca cheese, salsa negra, pico, cilantro, and tortillas is richer and exactly the kind of dish that loosens up a group after a second round of drinks. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 But mortgage rates could slowly come down once the tension in the Middle East loosens up. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026 Snug at the hips and thigh, the silhouette loosens up at the knee into a true straight leg. — Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026 Parker’s series starts out with too much bellowing and yelling along with hazing and bullying but loosens up and broadens out to peer into the lives of other recruits who are wrestling with demons and sometimes each other. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for loosens (up)

Verb

The conflict prompted Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates one-fifth of global crude supply.

— Max Zahn, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
This supports the hypothesis that their coloration likely facilitates more efficient absorption of solar radiation and aids thermoregulation.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of facilitates

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“Loosens (up).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loosens%20%28up%29. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of loosens (up)

verb (1)

verb (2)

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