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
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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
On DeFilippis’s stage (kept effectively earthy and stark by scenic designer Ashley Basile), the stakes are ratcheted up from the jump and the tension never slackens.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
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
With the help of Matt Mayer’s rhythmic editing and Tony Doogan’s string-torturing score, the intrigue never slackens.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Aug. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
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
With the help of Matt Mayer’s rhythmic editing and Tony Doogan’s string-torturing score, the intrigue never slackens.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackens
Verb
-
Once the gunk loosens, simply wipe the interior clean with a cloth.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
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The jostling loosens her ties enough to make her drop.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Kelly’s laboratory discovered tafamidis, marketed by Pfizer as Vyndaqel and Vyndamax, which slows the progression of transthyretin cardiomyopathy and polyneuropathy and is taken by approximately 70,000 patients worldwide.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
2 May 2026
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The proposal would allow NYC a pilot program requiring the installation of technology that detects speed, and slows drivers down, particularly those who have a long rap sheet of breaking speeding laws.—
Amethyst Martinez,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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