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
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However, loosening those connections would be extremely difficult and come with enormous costs, analysts told CNN.—
Anna Cooban,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Push-Ups to Downward-Facing Dog This strength-stretch combo move activates the chest, core, and arms while loosening the hamstrings and calves.—
Jenny McCoy,
Outside,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Brick walkways lead to separate spaces for outdoor dining and lounging.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
10 Feb. 2026
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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American attitudes toward taking time off are different from the ones in much of Europe, where free time and rest are prioritized, said Kira Schrabram, an assistant professor of management at the University of Washington’s business school who studies meaningful and sustainable work.—
Colleen Newvine,
Fortune,
15 Feb. 2026
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Pruning the dead stem gives the orchid a longer rest period and a better bloom next year.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacking. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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