Thesaurus

slow

Q: How is the word 'slow' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slow are delay , detain , retard , and slacken . While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention. // medication slowed the patient's heart rate

Q: In what contexts can 'delay' take the place of 'slow'?

In some situations, the words delay and slow are roughly equivalent. However, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. // bad weather delayed our arrival

Q: When would 'detain' be a good substitute for 'slow'?

The meanings of detain and slow largely overlap; however, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time. // unexpected business had detained her

Q: Where would 'retard' be a reasonable alternative to 'slow'?

While in some cases nearly identical to slow , retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping. // language barriers retarded their progress

Q: When can 'slacken' be used instead of 'slow'?

The synonyms slacken and slow are sometimes interchangeable, but slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort. // on hot days runners slacken their pace

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of slow

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed

because of the holiday, traffic to the beach was particularly slow

slow readers

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

strolling

Near Antonyms for slow

hurried,
rushed

Antonyms for slow

2 not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily

we love our bulldog though he's a little slower than our German shepherd

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

Near Antonyms for slow

Antonyms for slow

3 lacking in gaiety, movement, or animation

a slow day on Wall Street

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

Near Antonyms for slow

Antonyms for slow

4 causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest

the first half of the movie is slow, but then it gets exciting

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

longsome

palling

Near Antonyms for slow

suspenseful

Antonyms for slow

slow

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of slow (Entry 2 of 3)

to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace

if you don't slow your delivery down a bit, your speech will be over too soon

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

halt,
stop

bottleneck

Near Antonyms for slow

Antonyms for slow

slow

adverb

Synonyms & Antonyms of slow (Entry 3 of 3)

at a pace that is less than usual, desirable, or expected

you need to go slow with this experiment, or you'll make mistakes

Synonyms for slow

Words Related to slow

heavily,
ploddingly

Near Antonyms for slow

abruptly,
suddenly

Antonyms for slow

Frequently Asked Questions About slow

How is the word slow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slow are delay, detain, retard, and slacken. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

In what contexts can delay take the place of slow?

In some situations, the words delay and slow are roughly equivalent. However, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival