Loosely — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈlüs-lē/ loose·ly

Meaning & Definition of Loosely

Loosely (adverb)

  1. in a loose manner

Loosely (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in generally, kind of

    similar: generally, kind of, about, approximately, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus, roughly, say, some, nearly, nominally, practically, virtually, well-nigh
    opposite: exactly, precisely, due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab, squarely

Related Entry: Loose (adjective)

Loose is a different word from Loosely. The synonyms below are for loose, not for loosely.

  1. not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched

    "secure your neckerchief with a loose knot"

    similar: insecure, lax, loosened, relaxed, slack, slackened, unsecured
    related: detached, free, unattached, unbound, undone, unfastened, untied, baggy, blousy, saggy
    opposite: taut, tense, tight
    near: constrained, restrained, attached, bound, fastened, tied, fast, firm, jammed, snug, stuck, wedged

  2. consisting of particles that do not stick together

    "the car wheels slipped on the loose gravel in the driveway"

    similar: incoherent, unconsolidated
    related: nonadhesive, nonviscous, disconnected, disjointed, separate, unconnected, coarse, granular, rough
    opposite: coherent, compact, dense, packed
    near: connected, solid, compacted, compressed, adhesive, gelatinous, gluey, glutinous, gooey, gummy, sticky, viscid, viscous

  3. not bound by rigid standards

    "we tend to be loose with the dress code when we aren't hosting clients at the office"

    similar: easygoing, flexible, lax, relaxed, slack, unrestrained, unrestricted
    related: careless, derelict, heedless, irresponsible, lazy, neglectful, negligent, remiss, slipshod, sloppy, sloven, slovenly, unfussy
    opposite: hard, harsh, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern, strict
    near: constrained, restrained, restricted, tight, careful, conscientious, exact, fussy, meticulous, painstaking, punctilious, scrupulous, implacable, inflexible

  4. not bound, confined, or detained by force

    "there was a brief panic when the lion got loose from its cage at the zoo"

    similar: footloose, free, unbound, unconfined, unrestrained, at large, at liberty
    related: escaped, uncaged, unchained, unfettered, unleashed, uncaught, unanchored, unbolted, undone, unfastened, untied, clear, disengaged
    opposite: bound, confined, restrained, unfree
    near: caught, caged, chained, enclosed, immured, imprisoned, leashed, penned, anchored, bolted, fastened, fettered, manacled, shackled, tied, kidnapped

  5. not precisely correct

    "a loose guess about the size of the crowd at the outdoor concert"

    similar: approximate, approximative, ballpark, imprecise, inaccurate, inexact, squishy
    related: erroneous, false, incorrect, off, wrong, general, indefinable, indefinite, indeterminate, indistinct, mushy, undefined, undetermined, unsettled, vague, faulty, flawed, mistaken, specious, distorted, fallacious, misleading, doubtful, dubious, questionable, uncertain, inconclusive, indecisive, debatable, disputable, invalidated, unconfirmed, unsubstantiated, unsupported
    opposite: accurate, dead, dead-on, exact, precise, ultraprecise, veracious
    near: certain, incontestable, indubitable, positive, sure, undeniable, unquestionable, correct, errorless, factual, right, sound, true, valid, clear-cut, decisive, definable, defined, definite, incontrovertible, indisputable, irrefutable, absolute, unqualified, confirmed, corroborated, determined, established, substantiated, supported, validated

  6. having or showing lowered moral character or standards

    "the loose life that he led in the years before he settled down and found his path"

    similar: corrupt, debased, debauched, decadent, degenerate, degraded, demoralized, depraved, dissipated, dissolute, jackleg, libertine, perverse, perverted, rakehell, rakish, reprobate, sick, unclean, unwholesome, warped
    related: bent (chiefly British), crooked, cutthroat, dishonest, unethical, unprincipled, unscrupulous, contaminated, spoiled, tainted, bad, evil, immoral, iniquitous, miscreant, nefarious, sinful, vicious, wicked
    opposite: pure, uncorrupt, uncorrupted
    near: incorruptible, ethical, honest, principled, good, moral, righteous, virtuous

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Loosely

The most common words with a similar meaning to Loosely:

generally, kind of, about, approximately, around, like, more or less, much, near, plus or minus, roughly, say, some, nearly, nominally, practically, virtually, well-nigh

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Loosely

Words with the opposite meaning of Loosely:

exactly, precisely, due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab, squarely

Origin & Etymology of Loosely

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Loosely

loosely base on, broadly/loosely define

Frequently Asked Questions about Loosely

What does "Loosely" mean?

"Loosely" means in a loose manner. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a loose manner.

What is another word for "Loosely"?

Other words for "Loosely" include generally, kind of, about, approximately, around, like, more or less and much. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Loosely" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Loosely"?

There are 18 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Loosely". Common alternatives include generally, kind of, about, approximately, around, like, more or less, much, near and plus or minus.

What is the opposite of "Loosely"?

Antonyms of "Loosely" include exactly, precisely, due, even, just, sharp, smack-dab and squarely.

Is "Loosely" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Loosely" is an adverb.

How do you pronounce "Loosely"?

"Loosely" is pronounced /ˈlüs-lē/ and divided into syllables as loose·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Loosely"?

First known use: 14th century.

What is another word for "Loosely" meaning "as in generally, kind of"?

When "Loosely" (adverb) means as in generally, kind of, synonyms include generally, kind of, about, approximately, around and like. Opposites in this sense include exactly, precisely, due and even.