slow 1 of 3

Definition of slownext
1
2
as in dumb
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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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as in boring
causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the first half of the movie is slow, but then it gets exciting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slow

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verb

slow

3 of 3

adverb

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

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 slow
Adjective
Home sales and prices mostly rose in April for the four-county Sacramento region following a slower start to 2026. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 22 May 2026 Very heavy rain can be expected due to the slow movement of this storm. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
Verb
In a news release, the Census Bureau reported that population growth has slowed year-over-year nationwide. Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026 If development slows, so will growth. John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2026
Adverb
These slow-moving vehicles are vulnerable to enemy fire, and they are now supported by versions fitted with machine guns and other weapons. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 False cypress is slow-growing, but worth the wait. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for slow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow
Adjective
  • They’re also covered in an airy mesh upper material that facilitates airflow during activities — including sweaty workouts and leisurely strolls.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Yes, there are two international trips, including one to the literal other side of the world — a destination that makes Mexico City’s 7,200 feet of altitude seem like a leisurely stroll down the block, making the Niners the league’s official guinea pigs for global domination.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • In fact, one of my chief complaints about some contemporary thrillers is the feeling that characters are required to do dumb stuff by the unseen hand of the author, just so more crazy twists can happen.
    John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
  • But Williamson isn’t usually dumb.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Tucked into the sleepy hillside village of Agra, the home was originally commissioned as a vacation house for Milanese entrepreneur Luigi Cattaneo.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 May 2026
  • Memory has been the biggest theme of late due to a global shortage that's driven up prices and turned Micron, a 47-year-old company tucked in a sleepy corner of the semiconductor market, into one of the hottest trades over the past 12 months.
    Samantha Subin, CNBC, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • As a means of conspicuous consumption the canon is poorly served, but as a destination to explore, as a complicated, contradictory, sometimes boring and often beautiful place, there can be much to be gained through a meander, a perusal, a stroll.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • There are a lot of small, sincere plays that are also very boring.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • This is motorized like the rear seats, and supports pulling 750kg unbraked or a generous 2,400kg braked.
    James Morris, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • Just over a minute later, Dabney’s SUV was seen on video going under the bridge, then braking.
    Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Adverb
  • According to the rescue group, Miracle is being fed slowly while doctors work to gradually stabilize her sodium levels.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 19 May 2026
  • Slide down the wall slowly, bending your knees, and stopping when your thighs are about parallel to the floor.
    Christa Sgobba, Health, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • The director is clearly in no rush to spin this yarn, which can make the two-hour running time feel sluggish in spots, especially when the non-stop repartee doesn’t always hit its mark.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
  • Raylene Brundage, a North County real estate agent, said the sluggish market has continued into the typically busy spring buying season.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
Adjective
  • Directed by Nicolas Athane and Marco Nguyen, Jim Queen is a crass, profane, giddily stupid romp through a heap of stereotypes about gay life in Paris.
    Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • For the record, those students are not stupid.
    Hope Loudon, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Slow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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