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
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 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
-
After several years of rapid expansion, sales growth has slowed, and competition has intensified.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But its momentum has slowed over the past decade, exacerbated by stringent pandemic controls, while regional rival India has surpassed it as the fastest-growing major economy.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Dallas Lincoln guard Ar'Jayla Elder (5), left, eyes a loose ball as well as Fredericksburg guard Rilyn Grona (0) during first quarter action.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
But that hustle, that desire to dive for a loose ball, that remains.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
6 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 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
