Synonyms for

Loosen

Verb / ˈlu:sʌn / Another word for loosen — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something less tight or less firmly fixed in place

Synonyms & similar words

untie undo teaseapart relax loose tease stiffen untie unfasten undo relax slacken soften weaken lessen diminish reduce mitigate moderate decrease alleviate ease unclench unhand unlatch unbolt

Synonyms by register

Formal

relax slack unfasten untie

Informal

undo unjam free up let go

Literary

unfetter unshackle unbrace

Antonyms

tighten fasten secure fix bind restrain attach

Common collocations

  • loosen up
  • loosen the knot
  • loosen the soil
  • loosen the grip
  • loosen the belt
  • loosen the tie
  • loosen the restrictions

Word family

noun looseness
verb loosen
adjective loose

Usage note

While 'loosen up' is common, 'loosen' as a verb can also be used transitively, e.g., 'loosen the bolt'. Be careful not to confuse with 'loose' (adjective) meaning not tight.

Example sentences

  1. I need to loosen my belt because I ate too much.
  2. Can you loosen the jar lid for me?
  3. The screws were tight, but we managed to loosen them with a wrench.
  4. I like to loosen up with some stretching before I exercise.
  5. The muscles in my neck are tense, so I need to loosen them with a massage.

Quotes

  • The greatest freedom is to be obedient and faithful to God. As we loosen our grip on worldly things and submit ourselves to Him, we increase our capacity to receive spiritual treasures. - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
  • The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage. - Thucydides
  • A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. - Lao Tzu

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