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- pronunciation:
- lu
s
 n
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
loosens, loosening, loosened |
| definition 1: |
When you loosen something, you make it less tight and you give something more freedom.
The cat's collar seemed too tight, so Ellie loosened it.Sasha loosened her grip on her dog's leash when he started walking calmly next to her.Carson's father loosened his belt after he finished his dinner. He didn't want to feel too full for dessert.- synonyms:
- ease, relax
- antonyms:
- tighten
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| definition 2: |
When you loosen something, you undo or release it.
The cowboy loosened the horse's saddle and took it off the horse.- synonyms:
- release, undo, unfasten
- antonyms:
- fasten
- similar words:
- free, separate, untie
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| definition 3: |
When something loosens, or "loosens up," it becomes less tight or more relaxed.
It took some time but the knot finally loosened.The shoes were a little tight at first, but they loosened up after a while.- similar words:
- open, soften
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| derivation: |
loosener (n.) |
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