loosely
Americanadverb
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in a way that is not secure, tight, or restrained.
Cover the chicken loosely with foil so the spices don't burn.
After filling up, the driver loosely closed the gas cap, which subsequently fell off as they headed down the highway.
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in a way that is not firm, rigid, or taut.
Roll the cut strip of fabric loosely, with the pattern side in.
A chain, secured at the top and bottom but hanging loosely against the rock, assists with the final steep ascent.
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in a way that is relaxed or limber.
Bend forward with your head and arms hanging down loosely.
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(of a structure or arrangement) in a way that is not compact and allows space between parts or components.
The flour should be loosely packed and fluffy, rather than tamped into a solid block.
The superficial fat layer is made up of tightly packed fat cells, whereas in the deeper layers the cells are more loosely arranged.
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in a way that is not strict or precise.
Romania was made famous in the West by the legend of Dracula, based loosely on Vlad the Impaler.
The term is often used rather loosely to refer to any group with identifiable shared characteristics.
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in a way that has few restraints and allows for freedom of independent action.
The cooperative buys organic soybeans from a loosely organized group of independent Michigan growers, and resells the beans to customers in Japan and elsewhere.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of loosely
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.
My favorite trick for making mismatched serving pieces look intentional is to keep them loosely within one color story.
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
States have turned to loosely or even unregulated sources, which experts say make lethal injections less reliable.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
Li tells their stories in alternating chapters, loosely grounding her narrative in historical fact and Li’s own expansive imaginative powers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
EA is a loosely defined movement that uses evidence and reason to work out how to do the most good with a person's money and time.
From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026
For the most part, these gangs were loosely organized bands of young people from working-class neighborhoods in large cities.
From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
