slacken

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 While downtown foot traffic in the era of remote work has slackened, Rice Park remains a popular draw for downtown residents and visitors, and groups like the Rice Park Association and the St. Paul Garden Club provide advocacy, funding, park upkeep and eyeballs. Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 8 June 2025 There’s China, but its demand for oil has slackened markedly amid an economic slowdown. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Retail sales also fell in February, while firms from Walmart to Delta Air Lines have warned of slackening demand. Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 There are some moments that slacken here, especially as Belflower works her way to the twist, but with no intermission, the play’s frenzied pace continues uninterrupted and helps the inevitable revelation land with a real shock. Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for slacken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacken
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
Verb
  • Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Riding the rails gives you time to slow down and look at the canopy’s changing hues, from chartreuse to crimson.
    Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That means that the iX3 will regeneratively brake for the overwhelming majority of the time—just 5–10 percent of braking events should require the friction brakes, we're told.
    Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Prelude also introduces Honda Agile Handling Assist, which adjusts powertrain and braking in concert with steering input.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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