1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 sluggish
The Padres are banking on more of that to lengthen the lineup for the top of an order that is also not living up to expectations, but the Padres catchers have continued to provide value on defense throughout their sluggish start at the plate.
—
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The Washington Capitals had jumped out to an early two-goal lead on Ruff’s Buffalo Sabres, who looked out of sorts and sluggish.
—Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite a very sluggish start to the year, which saw the weakest January for home sales since 2008, purchases in the first quarter are now down only 5% compared to the same period a year ago.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
If Manhattan’s first quarter felt sluggish, the weather didn’t help.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
The Washington Capitals had jumped out to an early two-goal lead on Ruff’s Buffalo Sabres, who looked out of sorts and sluggish.
—Bailey Johnson, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2026
Despite a very sluggish start to the year, which saw the weakest January for home sales since 2008, purchases in the first quarter are now down only 5% compared to the same period a year ago.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
If Manhattan’s first quarter felt sluggish, the weather didn’t help.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
-
Or maybe this was a slow roll, meant to culminate with the two All-Stars crescendoing into the playoff push.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Feed Forever Goldy® Arborvitae annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
More damning is last week’s UMBC poll, which shows his approval rating in Maryland dropping precipitously, an unexpected slide in what has long been a sleepy Democratic stronghold.—
Torrey Snow,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Nanny Aimee -- our second in command -- was moving through the far corners of the house, waking up each of the littles, kissing sleepy eyelids, tugging my two toddlers gently forward into the day.—
Shafiq Najib,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The Lounge remains a favorite for leisurely breakfasts and afternoon tea.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
If all goes according to plan, its protective heat shield and a sequence of massive parachutes will ensure that the capsule—and the four astronauts inside—will land with a gentle splash in the Pacific Ocean at a leisurely 17 miles per hour.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The first concert starts with Ciani’s signature ocean sounds before Cunningham’s chords—dull, glassy—add an atonal sheen.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
9 Apr. 2026
-
These changes can leave your skin feeling dry, dull, and more sensitive than before.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The lagging percentage of women film directors last year is a clear sign that the industry is going backward, said Kirsten Schaffer, chief executive of WIF, which advocates for women in Hollywood.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The United States typically experiences the lagging edge of Latin American displacement waves.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
According to the Martin County report, Deputy Tatiana Levenar observed Woods to be sweating profusely, lethargic and slow.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The sinew between Thundercat and Tame Impala is thick and obvious—one reason that Bruner doesn’t need ubiquitous Kevin Parker’s lethargic laments.—
Daniel Felsenthal,
Pitchfork,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
