loosen
verb (used with object)
to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
had loosened
-
past perfectof loosen.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By 1910, the grip of agriculture had loosened significantly, as manufacturing emerged as a force in the industrializing economy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2025
The Syrian government did not immediately respond to questions on whether it had loosened the preconditions and why.
From Reuters ● Aug. 9, 2023
Hakmat, 12, Adil, 10 and Lima, 8, had loosened up and the youngest two started wheeling a baggage cart around.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 2, 2021
Franchitti said that Davies-Dixon, a former sports broadcaster and a born storyteller, had loosened up her husband.
From New York Times ● May 29, 2021
The singing had loosened something inside him, he was breathing easily and his heart no longer pounded.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
