as in loosening
to make less taut
the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slacking
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Verb
Not that the segment was slacking—far from it.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacking
Verb
-
There's also some evidence that cost discipline is loosening a bit.—
Michael Khouw,
CNBC,
17 Feb. 2026
-
Air quality regulations and programs are loosening their restrictions.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Brick walkways lead to separate spaces for outdoor dining and lounging.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The beaches of Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach are about half an hour away, so spend at least one of your days in Newport lounging, shelling, or swimming.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Hammers tapped slackening fibers and instead of the pleasant overtones of a major scale, a nauseating cacophony swelled from the instrument’s wooden belly.—
Sasha Geffen,
Pitchfork,
21 Jan. 2026
-
There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides Friday despite slackening rain around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned.—
TY ONEIL,
Arkansas Online,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
There is no penalty associated with unattended idling in state statute, however, individual municipalities have ordinances in place with fines for the action.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
18 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
President Grant Day doesn’t need to be an official or legal holiday where Illinois state employees get the day off, like Lincoln’s Birthday.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The only way to heal from runner’s knee is rest.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Another warning sign that often flies under the radar is profound fatigue—an overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest (something that many of us are quick to dismiss).—
Jennifer Shanker,
Flow Space,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacking. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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