loosening (A2)

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈluːsən/

Definition

To make something less tight, less firm, or less close.

Examples

• You need to loosen the lid before you can open the jar.

• The doctor told him to loosen his bandages to improve circulation.

• The company is loosening its grip on the market, allowing competitors to gain ground.

How to Use loosening

loosen up (phrasal verb)

To relax or become less tense and more friendly. — "After a drink, he started to loosen up and talk to everyone."

loosen [something] (verb)

To make something less tight, firm, or close. — "Can you help me loosen this bolt?"

Synonyms of loosening

Words with a similar meaning to loosening:

• ease
• relax
• slack
• release

Antonyms of loosening

Words with the opposite meaning to loosening:

• tighten
• fasten

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary