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
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But by the second verse, a racing beat arrives and never loosens its grip, especially as Rodrigo climbs the chorus.
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Today’s proclamation loosens restrictions on fishing in some of those same areas, specifically, Mau and Ho‘omalu Zones of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the Islands Unit of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, and the Rose Atoll Marine National Monument.
Verb
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Contractors claim that compliance with these laws and regulations slows down weapons delivery to the military but provide little to no evidence to support that claim.
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Studies have found that bacteria growth on red meat in particular only slows—but doesn’t stop—with proper packaging and storage.
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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