as in loosened
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched
slackened lines
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
And while Braum’s has recently slackened its former rule of not venturing 300 miles from the farm (that number is now 330 miles), Beuchaw says the company does not plan to inch out any further.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
The year before, the e-commerce platform eliminated 500 jobs, or about 4 percent of its personnel, after online spending slackened post-pandemic.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2026
And while Braum’s has recently slackened its former rule of not venturing 300 miles from the farm (that number is now 330 miles), Beuchaw says the company does not plan to inch out any further.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackened
Adjective
-
For now, though, Detroit’s automakers are leaning into the lucre that comes from selling millions of fossil-fuel vehicles in a rare moment of loosened regulation.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
24 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s counties between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the Census said.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Some California counties, including Sacramento, saw small gains in residents in 2025 while the state’s population dropped and population growth slowed nationwide.—
Camryn Dadey,
Sacbee.com,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Compared to Rich Table, RT Bistro is more intimate, with slightly brighter lighting, but an equally loose vibe.—
Cesar Hernandez,
San Francisco Chronicle,
27 Mar. 2026
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Borrowers, particularly private equity firms, increasingly turned to direct lenders offering faster execution and looser terms.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Waymo robotaxi, traveling at a speed of 17 miles per hour, braked and collided with the student.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Mar. 2026
-
The Waymo Driver braked hard, reducing speed from approximately 17 mph to under 6 mph before contact was made.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackened. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.
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