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.
Lift restrictions on shooting outside and in public spaces in L.A. (emulating NYC’s successful program) and offer a temporary reduction in permit fees in conjunction with loosening up notification requirements to reduce FilmLA’s staffing costs. Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025 There’s no rivets or something that might loosen up. Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 The boyfriend even tried making Peanut loosen up by poking his nose, but the dog was not having it. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 This move is excellent for loosening up your spine and improving flexibility. Jake Parks, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2025 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 10 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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