slough 1 of 3

variants also slew or slue
as in marsh
spongy land saturated or partially covered with water the land for miles around the lake is strewn with ponds, sloughs, and mudflats

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slough

2 of 3

verb (1)

slough

3 of 3

verb (2)

variants also sluff
as in to shed
to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside the snake is sloughing its old skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word slough different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of slough are cast, discard, junk, scrap, and shed. While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit
finally sloughed off the depression

When is it sensible to use cast instead of slough?

The words cast and slough can be used in similar contexts, but cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When might discard be a better fit than slough?

The meanings of discard and slough largely overlap; however, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do scrap and junk relate to one another, in the sense of slough?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways
would junk our educational system

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 slough
Noun
But the return of Manu Garcia and a slew of attack-minded substitutions couldn’t get Sporting an equalizer. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2025 Its eyes are lively too; each is an LCD with a slew of animations from which to choose. PC Magazine, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
These pre-soaked exfoliating pads gently slough the top layer of skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion, thanks to a 10% dose of a glycolic acid complex. Lily Wohlner, Allure, 4 Aug. 2025 Pure sugar crystals and AHAs sourced from plants work to slough off skin, while natural botanical oils soothe and hydrate. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for slough
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slough
Noun
  • It was identified as Erythrolamprus taeniogaster, or the coppery marsh-snake.
    Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
  • They are found in a wide variety of habitats but prefer oak-cabbage palm hammocks, freshwater marshes and sloughs, pine flatwoods, and more open agricultural areas.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The creatures prefer large, dense areas in the woods and wetlands.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Eynon’s design was inspired by Britain’s wetlands, and features flora and fauna with sensual curves.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slough. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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