SLACKEN Synonyms: 72 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'slacken' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slacken are delay , detain , retard , and slow . While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort. // on hot days runners slacken their pace

Q: Where would 'delay' be a reasonable alternative to 'slacken'?

Although the words delay and slacken have much in common, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. // bad weather delayed our arrival

Q: When is it sensible to use 'detain' instead of 'slacken'?

While in some cases nearly identical to slacken , detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time. // unexpected business had detained her

Q: When would 'retard' be a good substitute for 'slacken'?

The synonyms retard and slacken are sometimes interchangeable, but retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping. // language barriers retarded their progress

Q: How do 'slow' and 'slacken' relate to one another?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention. // medication slowed the patient's heart rate

slacken

verb

ˈsla-kən

Definition of slacken next

as in to loosen

to make less taut you'll need to slacken the rope a bit to get it free of that post

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to slow

to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace drivers need to slacken their speed as they approach the sharp curve

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slacken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slacken are delay, detain, retard, and slow. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

Where would delay be a reasonable alternative to slacken?

Although the words delay and slacken have much in common, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

When is it sensible to use detain instead of slacken?

While in some cases nearly identical to slacken, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

When would retard be a good substitute for slacken?

The synonyms retard and slacken are sometimes interchangeable, but retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

How do slow and slacken relate to one another?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of slacken Another factor was the slackening appeal of industrial companies, which had long absorbed the greatest number of young graduates. —

Literary Hub, 15 May 2026 It’s caused when the vocal cords slacken, leading to irregular vibration and an audible cracking or rattling sound as air is released in spurts. —

ArsTechnica, 14 May 2026 The trade winds that typically blow from east to west near the equator can slacken and then reverse direction as well. —

Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026 On DeFilippis’s stage (kept effectively earthy and stark by scenic designer Ashley Basile), the stakes are ratcheted up from the jump and the tension never slackens. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slacken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacken

Verb

Add enough of the measured water to loosen the mixture and form a sauce; fluid but not runny is the key.

— Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
The board also had to grant a request to loosen zoning rules, called a variance, to allow for six housing units — which is a few more than would normally be allowed on a lot of its size — and make the project possible.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 24 June 2026

Definition of loosen

Verb

Drivers need to brake firmly and stay in the lane instead of swerving.

— Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 22 June 2026
The braking system follows the same philosophy, with a dual-piston floating caliper and disc up front, and a 220-mm rear disc paired with a single-piston caliper.

— Utkarsh Sood June 20, New Atlas, 20 June 2026