slack 1 of 3

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slack

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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

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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
Fernandes has no right to seize upon a slack backpass and lob Kelleher from about 40 yards out. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Apr. 2024 But, as our offices become more mobile, and our tether to a single home base becomes increasingly slack, these rules have changed. Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2024
Noun
But that doesn’t mean the NFL cuts him any slack when the ball is kicked off. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 Jeremy Pope Jeremy Pope shows off his arms in a sleeveless vest with black slacks and a gold watch. Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025
Verb
After a few months, that arrangement collapsed — the woman accused Pope of slacking and damaging her property — and Pope went to stay with friends, back in Houston, sleeping in a van on their property. Ian Frisch, Curbed, 9 Jan. 2025 There are a number of possible reasons for slacking interest from buyers, in Florida and across the country. Samantha Delouya, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Some argued that this is standard gentle parenting, while others believed that parents are too lazy to follow through with demands.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
  • Jack Sparks, aquatics director for the city, said Black Bob Bay’s water park typically draws the biggest crowds with its lazy river, rock wall and high dive.
    Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite its grandeur, over the centuries the palace proved to be a flexible structure, capable of accommodating additions, splits, partitions, changes of ownership and use.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
  • After all, supportive sneakers for walking through a city, flexible pants for long-haul flights, and versatile pieces that can be worn multiple times throughout a trip are essentials on any packing list.
    Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • Elevation is the only way to seek cooler climate conditions and balance latitude.
    John Mariani, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • The company argues that the pit would qualify as a farm irrigation pond under zoning and agricultural regulations, which give wide latitude to farming operations.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Her avocados, for instance, are almost always halved, loosened from the skin, which remains to protect the fruit, then sliced, drizzled with lemon or lime juice and seasoned with salt, pepper and often chopped chives.
    Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • Missing or loosened stones create tripping hazards, and city workers must frequently be dispatched to carry out repairs.
    Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although Hill initially received two tickets for careless driving and not wearing a seat belt, they were dismissed after the officer who cited him didn’t show up to the Miami-Dade traffic hearing.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Of those fires, 90% were caused by careless human activity, the agency said.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • This soft, versatile shade is popping up everywhere, from my Instagram feed to my go-to retailers, offering the relaxed vibe of denim without the weight.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
  • The set features a relaxed, boxy three-quarter sleeve, button-down top and mid-rise shorts.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • There, the shock from an impact might shake dust loose.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
  • The Aggies battled back in the bottom of the sixth, closing the gap to just one run, but couldn’t overcome the loose, motivated Flames squad.
    Lauren Merola, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • Prison officials provided photos of the execution chamber before Joseph Corcoran’s execution, showing a space that looks like a sparse operating room with a gurney, fluorescent lighting, a floor drain and an adjacent viewing room.
    Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • This is a space that is ripe for standardization, the entry of new players in the market, and more vendor rivalries and drama.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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