loosen
verb (used with object)
to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
were loosening
-
past progressiveof loosen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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 sauce No. 4 — Chickpotle, a creamy chickpea sauce with smoky chipotle and ghost pepper with a 4/10 heat level — Holland and Bernthal were loosening up and trading barbs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
Last week, the Labor Department said job growth picked up in August, although employment gains reported in the previous two months were revised sharply lower in an indication that labor market conditions were loosening.
From Reuters ● Sep. 7, 2023
Even in buttoned-up Washington, offices were loosening their norms for professional attire and lessening the need for professional cleaning.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 22, 2022
He became sick while traveling, when travel restrictions were loosening “and there was a sense that Covid was in decline,” family said.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 15, 2021
Her fingers were loosening as they reached the lift, stepped inside and set the stretcher down.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
