Need another word for Loosen? Use these synonyms of Loosen from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
relax
release
untighten
unleash
unfasten
undo
unclamp
unsecure
slacken
ease
soften
calm
mitigate
moderate
alleviate
diminish
reduce
lighten
liberate
free
unfurl
unroll
unfold
open
unbind
unshackle
unchain
disentangle
unravel
unknit
unmuddle
clarify
simplify
facilitate
ease off
let up
abate
subside
decrease
lessen
Meaning of Loosen
The primary meaning of the word "loosen" is to make something less tight or less severe.
Definitions
- To make something less tight or less severe
- To reduce the severity or intensity of something
- To free something from a constraint or a restriction
- To make something easier or less difficult
Etymology of Loosen
The word "loosen" originated from the Old English words "lōs" meaning "free" and "ian" which is a suffix forming a verb
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of making something less tight or less severe
The word has evolved over time to include various meanings, including reducing severity or intensity, and freeing something from a constraint
Example Uses
- You should loosen the screw before trying to remove it
- The government decided to loosen the regulations on trade
- She needed to loosen her grip on the steering wheel
- The teacher tried to loosen the atmosphere in the classroom with a joke