1
as in loosens
to make less taut
you'll need to slacken the rope a bit to get it free of that post
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slows
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
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Recent Examples of slackens
Electromagnetism and the weak interaction intensify, while the strong force slackens.
—
Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The pacing slackens a little as the complicated process inches forward, but the ending tugs the heartstrings in enormously satisfying ways.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The pacing slackens a little as the complicated process inches forward, but the ending tugs the heartstrings in enormously satisfying ways.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackens
Verb
-
House Bill 1095 is a good piece of legislation tarred by a bad amendment that loosens requirements for public notices.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Raking also loosens the soil which will provide better seed-to-soil contact.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Maintain a consistent temperature between 65 and 80ºF, and water less during cold weather when growth slows.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
-
In Gaza, Palestinians feel forgotten as a new war captures attention and ceasefire progress slows.—
Marissa Martinez,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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