Synonyms of slough

slough

noun

ˈslü 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• marsh
• wetland
• swamp
• bog
• wash
• mud
• muskeg
• fen
• marshland
• morass
• swampland
• moor
• mire
• swale
• quagmire
• muck
• sludge
• ooze
• slime
• guck
• slop
• slush

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of slough

The races are among a slew of Tuesday, June 2, primaries across the country that determined who will campaign for seats in Washington in the fall. —Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 3 June 2026

Nelson’s resignation comes after a slew of high-profile upsets in the May 26 Texas primary runoff elections. —Max Grinstein, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026

Morgan Stanley reiterates Meta as overweight Morgan Stanley said Meta has a slew of levers for revenue upside. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 3 June 2026

Crunchyroll revealed its lineup for the upcoming Anime Expo featuring a slew of its most popular titles, including Demon Slayer, as well as a slate of new acquisitions and first looks. —Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2026

Phrases Containing slough

• slough (off)
• slough of despond

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