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
Example Sentences
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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
-
Other people’s reactions bleed into your own experience; the boundary between self and crowd loosens.—
Yook JiHun,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
-
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
Verb
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In the early hours, the sympathetic Moon enters practical Taurus, and our pace slows to highlight comfort, honesty, and reliability.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Mar. 2026
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Polk told me she’s often asked if her mother ever slows down.—
Steve Lopez,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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