loosening Definition
- 1the act of making something less tight or firm
- 2the process of becoming less tight or firm
Using loosening: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loosening" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor recommended some exercises to help with the loosening of my stiff muscles.
Example
The loosening of the soil made it easier to plant the seeds.
Example
The loosening of the restrictions on travel allowed people to visit their families again.
loosening Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for loosening
- relaxation
- slackening
- easing
- letting up
Antonyms for loosening
Phrases with loosening
a tendency to talk more than usual, especially about things that are normally kept secret
Example
After a few drinks, he experienced a loosening of the tongue and started telling us all his secrets.
Example
He had to stay home from work because of a loosening of the bowels.
Example
The company's loosening of the purse strings allowed for more investment in research and development.
Summary: loosening in Brief
The term 'loosening' [ˈluːsənɪŋ] refers to the act of making something less tight or firm, or the process of becoming less tight or firm. It can refer to physical objects like soil or muscles, or to abstract concepts like restrictions on travel. Phrases like 'loosening of the tongue' and 'loosening of the purse strings' extend the meaning to include talking more than usual or being more generous with money.