as in loosened
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched
slackened lines
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in relaxed
to make less taut
you'll need to slacken the rope a bit to get it free of that post
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slowed
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slackened
David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackened
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
Verb
-
Additionally, the steep and rugged terrain along the winding road slowed down progress, requiring a careful and methodical approach.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year has not slowed down.—
Gladys Louise Tyler,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The attempt was tipped and brought in by Locke, who slipped loose into the secondary before taking off for a 64-yard touchdown reception.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
-
These are organized into geologic map units, which range in composition from loose sand and gravel to very old bedrock.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Nineteen hours after departure the train took its final breath, hissed and braked into the historic port of Narvik.—
The Editors,
Outside,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Crash construction data showed Mefford sped up to nearly 58 miles per hour from 40 miles per hour, then braked about half a second before the crash, according to Post-Tribune archives.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slackened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackened. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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