1
as in slow
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed
the sluggish pace of the project is worrisome
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sleepy
slow to move or act
reptiles are naturally sluggish at low temperatures
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sluggish
The late introduction of Wout Weghorst, a sluggish target man only getting slower, underlined what the Netherlands lack.
—
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 3 June 2026
While federal action remains sluggish, state policymakers are filling the vacuum.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
The scandal triggered an upswing of voter interest in California’s once sluggish governor’s race and in Becerra, who seized the moment.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Go back and look at just about any start this season and the Ferraris look like they've been shot out of a cannon while the Mercedes and others often look pretty sluggish.
—Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 3 June 2026
While federal action remains sluggish, state policymakers are filling the vacuum.
—Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
The scandal triggered an upswing of voter interest in California’s once sluggish governor’s race and in Becerra, who seized the moment.
—Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Go back and look at just about any start this season and the Ferraris look like they've been shot out of a cannon while the Mercedes and others often look pretty sluggish.
—Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sluggish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sluggish
Adjective
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A little snow in the morning; cloudy, chilly; slow and slippery travel in the morning; improving road conditions in the afternoon.—
Jackie Borchardt,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Dec. 2025
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Liverpool have been much slower starters, getting outscored 6-8 in Premier League first halves (and 1-4 in the opening 15 minutes of their games).—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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At the time, it was largely viewed as a sleepy networking company for enterprise.—
R. Scott Raynovich,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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Spoilers ahead for Every Year After Every Year After is the latest TV show to mine drama from a sleepy cottage town.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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For those seeking a more leisurely route, expedition cruises (like HX Expeditions, Silversea Cruises, and MSC Cruises) not only allows travelers to take in breathtaking views along the way, but also avoids the weather unpredictability of Arctic air travel.—
Susmita Baral,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Dec. 2025
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Sports cars are a different breed anyway, with cornering dynamics that make even a fairly leisurely drive on city streets in Southern California feel at times like a day at the track.—
Eric D. Lawrence,
Freep.com,
4 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid decreases with age, which can contribute to a loss of plumpness, fine lines, and an overall duller complexion.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
10 June 2026
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The saltiness of drinks like the Bloody Mary or plain tomato juice can actually seem a bit dull, leaving a fresher and sweeter taste behind.—
Andrea Romano,
Travel + Leisure,
9 June 2026
Adjective
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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
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The United States typically experiences the lagging edge of Latin American displacement waves.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Then, around 30 minutes later, Frosty became glassy-eyed and lethargic, simply staring at Salazar and not responding immediately to any action.—
Ella Moore
May 26,
Miami Herald,
26 May 2026
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The Cavs looked lethargic, the building lacked energy because the home team gave them nothing to cheer for and now this erratic, inconsistent season could come to an end Monday night.—
Esfandiar Baraheni,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sluggish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sluggish. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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