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 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 But this attempt to freeze Ukraine into submission has failed, and as spring arrives the pressure on power generation will slacken. David Hambling, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slacken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacken
Verb
  • Sabrina Carpenter is loosening her leash on Man’s Best Friend ahead of its release date, with the pop star playing the album for a group of lucky fans who got to hear it before the rest of the world at an exclusive event on Wednesday (Aug. 13).
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025
  • When leaders embrace acceptance, the ego loosens its grip.
    Wilson Luna, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The group of oil-producing countries known as OPEC+ has hiked production to regain market share, according to Smith, and shows no signs of slowing after announcing plans to boost production again in September.
    Bailey Schulz, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Leili was arrested and transported to Troop A, where he was processed on charges of failure to renew registration, reckless driving and failure to slow down/move over for a non-emergency vehicle.
    Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That's when the teen reached through the window to unlock a car door from the outside, causing the man to suddenly brake.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Piastri even locked up momentarily under braking at Turn 1 in the penultimate lap, but failed to overtake Norris.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slacken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacken. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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