slow 1 of 3

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
4
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

2 of 3

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
Although all participants experienced some cognitive decline, those who owned cats and dogs showed significantly slower decline in specific cognitive realms. Helen Carefoot, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025 Until 2022, the share of prime-age adults who were married was still on a long, slow downward march. Brad Wilcox, The Atlantic, 29 July 2025
Verb
Typically, jet fuel is the first to be affected by a slowing economy as businesses rein in travel spending. Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 In the event of your vehicle hydroplaning, here's what to know: Ease off the accelerator - Step off the gas to slow down the vehicle until the tires find traction. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2025
Adverb
For practical dating advice: Start slow and be kind to yourself. Anna Pulley, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025 The only thing that moved slower than the Lakers was the clock. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow
Adjective
  • While several of our Central Texas neighbors are basking in the top 30, Austin seems to have taken a leisurely stroll down to the 164th spot.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • But before the summer fruit became an icon of a leisurely lifestyle, tomatoes, at least in American culture, were once a symbol of progressive rural life.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Ratajkowski has been fighting the stereotype of the dumb model from the beginning of her career.
    Daniel Jackson, Allure, 18 July 2017
  • Ninety nine percent of all NFL players are explicitly not dumb.
    Andy Benoit, The MMQB, 10 July 2017
Adjective
  • Now, both parties are stepping up their efforts to win control of state legislatures across the country, shining a fresh light on races that have long been considered sleepy affairs.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 31 July 2025
  • As the sleepy sports calendar did its usual job of throttling Peacock’s momentum on the customer-acquisition front, the losses at Comcast’s legacy cable unit were similarly predictable.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • There are occasional boring stretches, along with confounding ones.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 3 Aug. 2025
  • At the end of the day, Stone relied on all of the wardrobe classics to turn boring old sports merch into a sartorial home run.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • It’s caused by suspension movement, especially over bumps or during braking.
    Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 31 July 2025
  • In contrast to other semi-autos, the e-clutch does not require you to rely on the clutch at all, even while braking or stopping.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 July 2025
Adverb
  • Pause, then slowly return to the starting position.
    Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 3 Aug. 2025
  • The needles slowly drift down from loblollies and longleaf pines, blanketing lawns and driveways and piling on top of shrubs and flowers.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • If the producers manage to create another roof moment, Torin and his stupid little hats are cooked.
    Olivia Crandall, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Mia promises not to ask for help or do anything stupid.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • There has been a gradual normalization of ties between India and China in recent months after relations were deeply strained in June 2020, when a brutal hand-to-hand battle in the Galwan Valley left at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers dead.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • Within months, however, Carter’s financial backer Lord Carnarvon was dead from a mysterious illness.
    Justin Stebbing, JSTOR Daily, 24 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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