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
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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
-
The first step is the Body Pre-Exfoliating Foam that loosens dead skin cells, to be scrubbed away with the Exfoliating Body Glove.—
Celia Shatzman,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
-
Hot water melts solidified fat and loosens any lingering oils, so your dish soap can surround it and break up the mess.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
Fiber slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, while LAB can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose absorption.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
28 May 2026
-
This inward, reflective energy will be around longer than usual as Mercury slows to a station retrograde in Cancer on June 29, extending its stay there all the way into early August.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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