loosen up

verb

loosened up; loosening up; loosens up

intransitive verb

: to become less tense : relax

Examples of loosen up in a Sentence

hoped that adding a second lane would loosen up traffic on that street a high-pressure job that makes it hard for him to loosen up even on weekends
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Even corporate America is loosening up: companies like Amazon have dropped pre-employment weed testing for most jobs. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025 Regardless of your cabinet’s material, most superficial stains can be removed with a mild dish soap solution, and stubborn ones will loosen up with a baking soda paste. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024 The pair met on set for a commercial in the 1980s, where Jennifer, who had worked as a model and actress, helped the professional football player loosen up during the shoot. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 31 Jan. 2025 The Fed has cut rates twice this year, and the regulatory environment has loosened up. David Moin, WWD, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for loosen up

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen up was in 1922

Cite this Entry

“Loosen up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen%20up. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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