slack 1 of 3

Definition of slacknext
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slack

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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

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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
The mysterious Beast of Sugar Flats Road The head of the Beast of Sugar Flats Road looks like something out of a horror movie with its white-yellow fur, blackish skin, slack jaw, missing teeth and glass eyes. Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025 Loose layers can compress in a crash, leaving the harness too slack to protect the baby. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
At a time when private businesses would be understandably reluctant to invest, the state should pick up the slack. Alaa Shahine Salha, semafor.com, 14 May 2026 The pointed toes elongate the legs, making this pair ideal for oversized barrel jeans or slacks. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 14 May 2026
Verb
Does no slack in sales volume, despite higher DRAM prices, hurt the case? Jim Cramer, CNBC, 25 Jan. 2026 The speedy little Mercedes slipped beneath the truck, nudging it lightly in the belly, and contracted, crushing within itself two male bodies slack with drink and sleep. Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Make Waves Let your cares float away with lazy beach days, shimmering pools, and the family-favorite Captiva Landing, which takes fun to new heights with five acres of activity.
    South Seas, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
  • The water park is open on weekends in May and features exciting water rides, a relaxing lazy river, and wave pool.
    Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Suburban growth accelerated during COVID, McShane said, especially with flexible working options.
    John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
  • Company leaders said the expansion reflects growing demand for smaller, more flexible grocery footprints in urban areas.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • For now, though, Detroit’s automakers are leaning into the lucre that comes from selling millions of fossil-fuel vehicles in a rare moment of loosened regulation.
    Bloomberg, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
  • 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
  • The historic event produced dazzling auroras visible far beyond their usual high latitude range, with skywatchers reporting northern lights deep into mid-latitudes such as southern Florida and Mexico.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 11 May 2026
  • The collaboration aims to give music artists more latitude when their work is used in feature films or when storylines are based on them.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • In another gun rights case, the justices may loosen a federal law aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous or irresponsible people.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The results suggest a broad surge in support for loosening restrictions on research into substances such as psilocybin and MDMA to probe their potential for medical use.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • After an almost year-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office charged Pino with three misdemeanor counts of careless boating resulting in death.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
  • Dahlin earned another interference penalty later, and Zucker’s roughing penalty was careless.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • According to the official Wine Bar at Emeril’s page, the Julia Street space gives guests access to the restaurant’s distinctive cellar in a more relaxed setting, with signature small plates, wines by the glass and classic New Orleans cocktails.
    Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • His ensemble included a Fear of God pinstripe suit, with a relaxed blazer and wide-legged trousers, matched with black patent leather shoes.
    Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actress, 79, wore a loose blouse and loafers with a pair of pinstripe slacks, which added a posh twist to her look.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you’re not caught outside.
    Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 15 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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