as in softening
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1
as in loosening
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 slowing
to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace
drivers need to slacken their speed as they approach the sharp curve
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of slackening
Ty Oneil, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides Friday despite slackening rain around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned.
—Ty Oneil, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackening
Verb
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The administration is loosening already lax oversight.—
Mark Olalde,
ProPublica,
12 Jan. 2026
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They’re made from Lee’s stretchy denim blend that’s designed to move with you without loosening throughout the day.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There’s ample time to react, but instead of gradually slowing down to respond to the SUV in front, the Tesla’s self-driving software brakes at the last second and veers off the road, nearly plunging into the depressed center of the grass median.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
8 Jan. 2026
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At Hodge Park, where the city recently installed pickleball courts, Willett said the energy code was applied to a shade structure over the benches, slowing down the project by several months.—
David Hudnall,
Kansas City Star,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The prospect of lower interest rates also helps by reducing the opportunity costs of holding non-yielding assets like bullion.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
23 Dec. 2025
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To taste one hot off the press, so to speak, is an experience not to be missed; the flavor is so complex, the mouthful so round, the texture so yielding.—
Aleksandra Crapanzano,
The Atlantic,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In cars, they’re used to connect the battery to motors, for lights and sensors, for braking systems, airbag controllers, entertainment systems and electric windows.—
Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
31 Dec. 2025
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Drivers should slow down significantly while accelerating and braking gradually.—
Brian Sherrod,
CBS News,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Slackening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackening. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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