slack 1 of 3

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2
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slack

2 of 3

noun

1
as in latitude
an allowable margin of freedom or variation our boss doesn't cut us any slack when it comes to being back from lunch on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in slackness
the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line take up the slack of a rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

slack

3 of 3

verb

as in to loosen
to make less taut the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slack different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of slack are lax, neglectful, negligent, and remiss. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

When might lax be a better fit than slack?

While in some cases nearly identical to slack, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace slack?

The words neglectful and slack can be used in similar contexts, but neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can negligent take the place of slack?

While the synonyms negligent and slack are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use remiss instead of slack?

The synonyms remiss and slack are sometimes interchangeable, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of slack
Adjective
In the footage, the wooden wall can be seen falling forward with a thud, while two vertical cables hang behind, apparently slack. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 June 2025 Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, 3305 Corporate Ave, Weston, is an indoor entertainment park with trampolines, dodgeball court, battle beam, climbing walls, ropes course, slack line, dunk hoops, ninja course arcade games, children’s areas (soft-play playground) and the Drey Café. Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025
Noun
Lands' End Starfish Mid-rise Straight-leg Pants These Lands’ End straight-leg pants combine the stretchy, comfortable feel of leggings with the polished look of slacks. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025 Style it with jeans or corduroy pants in your favorite fall outfits, or wear it with a long skirt or slacks for work. Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
The potential causes can range from something as innocuous as slacking on your hydration to an ear condition or even a serious emergency, like a stroke. Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 2025 Whether progress endures will depend on whether state policymakers resist the urge to slack on debt reduction at the first sign of improvement. Andrew Fowler, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the room service menu, which blended everything from soups and sandwiches to expansive plates, was a great option for breakfast in bed or a lazy lunch.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The action itself may feel lazy, but the result is trouble-free, straightforward cool.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s no question that the younger generation has brought their own approach to office life—prioritizing mental health, flexible scheduling, and work-life balance—and are even getting fired for not knowing how to act workplace-appropriate.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Its model favors small and midsize creators, offering quick setup, flexible operations, and space for experimentation.
    Essie Assibu, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Any potential impact could trigger impressive auroras in northern skies and possibly even at mid-latitudes.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Officials argue that the approach gives Washington greater legal and military latitude to strike at foreign groups involved in narcotics smuggling.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The movement mirrors a human stretch meant to loosen the upper body.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Always give the fabric a good shake outdoors to loosen and release excess dirt and dust before placing microfiber cloths in the machine.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In March 2024, Karen was arrested and charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Nigeria deserves solidarity in its fight against terror — not careless rhetoric that fuels misunderstanding.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Linen-cotton blends with easy, breathable washes are ideal for relaxed shirting.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 15 Oct. 2025
  • The most relaxed policies generally permit guests to cancel for a full refund 14 days before check-in.
    Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The mixture is dense and creamy; adding broth helps to create a looser sauce .
    Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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