slack 1 of 3

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slack

2 of 3

noun

1
as in latitude
an allowable margin of freedom or variation our boss doesn't cut us any slack when it comes to being back from lunch on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in slackness
the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line take up the slack of a rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

slack

3 of 3

verb

as in to loosen
to make less taut the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slack different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of slack are lax, neglectful, negligent, and remiss. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

When might lax be a better fit than slack?

While in some cases nearly identical to slack, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace slack?

The words neglectful and slack can be used in similar contexts, but neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can negligent take the place of slack?

While the synonyms negligent and slack are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use remiss instead of slack?

The synonyms remiss and slack are sometimes interchangeable, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

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 slack
Adjective
In the footage, the wooden wall can be seen falling forward with a thud, while two vertical cables hang behind, apparently slack. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025 Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, 3305 Corporate Ave, Weston, is an indoor entertainment park with trampolines, dodgeball court, battle beam, climbing walls, ropes course, slack line, dunk hoops, ninja course arcade games, children’s areas (soft-play playground) and the Drey Café. Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Noun
Although these travel-ready slacks are listed at full price, Gap is having a major sale on other styles now through Monday, September 8. Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Sep. 2025 However, the Royals have confidence in Kolek and others to pick up the slack moving forward. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
But when their offense has slacked, their defense has always been there to bail them out. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Star, hilariously, has her rope slack over her shoulder and platform teetering all over the place. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Forest walks, lazy lake days, midday swims, and evening bonfires are a part of your regular day.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Camels seem slow, hippos clumsy, phoenixes unstable, lions lazy.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Strategies will remain flexible to adjust to changing fire behavior, terrain, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • By learning from nature’s most flexible swimmer, the octopus, researchers hope to overcome these challenges and make underwater machines more capable, adaptable, and sustainable.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia have recently updated their recommendations for pregnant women, with significantly more activity suggested than before as well as much greater latitude for athletes.
    Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In the coastal Pacific, by contrast, cool waters flow in from higher latitudes and rarely allow ocean temperatures to exceed the high 70s.
    Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Burns went on to loosen monetary policy and help the president secure re-election in ’72.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The texture on the towel will help loosen and remove water spots.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, an officer or insurance adjuster might claim your lack of footwear contributed to reckless or careless driving, and the matter could even be brought up in court or during an insurance review.
    Georgea Kovanis, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This Earth sign can be quite the perfectionist, preferring order and discernment over anything remotely vague and careless.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Perfectly roomy with a bit of effortless slouch for a relaxed feel, the Balance Bucket is available in both black and brown suede, plus black leather, to complement every mood and lifestyle.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Now that she’s named her successor as Vogue’s top editor, Anna Wintour seems a bit more relaxed.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After struggling in the first half, running back Jerrod Wiley got loose on an untouched 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the next drive to put Heritage back up two scores at 30-21.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Vacuuming Upholstered chairs should be vacuumed weekly to remove loose dust, dirt, and hair.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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