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
-
Fire progress slowed as the fire crested some of the initial ridges and began backing downhill.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Woolen was running stride-for-stride with Pearsall but misplayed the ball and slowed down while the second-year wideout kept moving forward.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
After struggling in the first half, running back Jerrod Wiley got loose on an untouched 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the next drive to put Heritage back up two scores at 30-21.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Vacuuming Upholstered chairs should be vacuumed weekly to remove loose dust, dirt, and hair.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
6 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 11 Sep. 2025.
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