slack 1 of 4

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slack

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noun (1)

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

slackness

4 of 4

noun (2)

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
Before centre-back Gimenez could come on, more slack marking allowed Ferran Torres a free header to make it 2-2. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 My actual dining companion, dressed in her nonprofit workwear, was slack jawed at the precision of the seasoning. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Industry-specific data also show that job losses are not concentrated in sectors with large immigrant workforces, further supporting the view that slack comes from weakened demand, not a supply constraint. Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2025 Ladies are asked to wear dresses, skirts, blouses, dress sweaters, or dress slacks, while gentlemen are required to wear a suit or sport coat, necktie, and dress pants. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Verb
Jason has decided to take it easy on him, even after a series of mistakes this week proves beyond a reasonable doubt that his bosun is slacking. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 Mar. 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
  • Nearby, Splash Resort draws families and retirees alike with spacious, beachfront units and kid-friendly perks like an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie theater.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025
  • In water, adults enjoy Aurora’s partnership with SCUBA SHACK, Anguilla’s only PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, while kids find their heaven at the massive waterpark, complete with slides and a lazy river.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Further discussions in London and Stockholm made enough progress for the two sides this week to announce another extension of the ceasefire, with the White House praising Beijing for being cooperative and flexible in the negotiations to date.
    Scott Kennedy, Time, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Andy Naylor Scott Parker is aiming to be flexible and adaptable with his system this season.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Sabrina Carpenter is loosening her leash on Man’s Best Friend ahead of its release date, with the pop star playing the album for a group of lucky fans who got to hear it before the rest of the world at an exclusive event on Wednesday (Aug. 13).
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Aug. 2025
  • When leaders embrace acceptance, the ego loosens its grip.
    Wilson Luna, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The 24-year-old man was charged with involuntary manslaughter, careless discharge causing death and a separate firearm charge, officials say.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2025
  • The plea deal dropped an additional charge of careless driving resulting in death from his case, court records show.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In fact, natural is the word to sum up Chapman, a host who, like Artie Bucco, could be described as warm and convivial, who rarely fails to ask piercing questions devoid of cliches and has a relaxed but authoritative style.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025
  • This top is made from buttery soft, lightweight fabric and features a relaxed fit similar to the one Holmes wore.
    Emily Weaver, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The top has a casual, loose fit that’ll feel comfortable to wear with shorts now and jeans later, especially if it’s paired with a cozy cardigan for added warmth once fall arrives.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings reaches for a loose ball against Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty during a game against the New York Liberty at College Park Center on July 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • One of the children was discovered in a neglectful condition in August, according to court records.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 15 June 2025
  • Hinchliffe Stadium originally opened in 1932 and hosted the Negro Leagues’ New York Black Yankees and the American Soccer League’s New Jersey Eagles in the late 1980s before shuttering in 1996 after many neglectful years without maintenance and upkeep.
    Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • The turmoil dates back to a somewhat sloppy performance at a charity show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Learning how to practice Despite the steady energy throughout camp, Saturday’s session had its share of sloppy moments.
    Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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