SLACK Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'slack' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of slack are lax , neglectful , negligent , and remiss . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

Q: When might 'lax' be a better fit than 'slack'?

While in some cases nearly identical to slack , lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: When could 'neglectful' be used to replace 'slack'?

The words neglectful and slack can be used in similar contexts, but neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: In what contexts can 'negligent' take the place of 'slack'?

While the synonyms negligent and slack are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'remiss' instead of 'slack'?

The synonyms remiss and slack are sometimes interchangeable, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. // had been remiss in their familial duties

slack 1 of 3

adjective

ˈslak

Definition of slack next

as in lazy

failing to give proper care and attention a building contractor known mainly for his firm's slack workmanship and slipshod construction

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flexible

not bound by rigid standards slack supervision on the project

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as in loosened

not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched left the ropes slack

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slack

2 of 3

noun

as in latitude

an allowable margin of freedom or variation our boss doesn't cut us any slack when it comes to being back from lunch on time

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as in slackness

the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line take up the slack of a rope

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as in pants

slacks plural an outer garment covering each leg separately from waist to ankle she prefers wearing slacks instead of a dress

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slack

3 of 3

verb

as in to loosen

to make less taut the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slack different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of slack are lax, neglectful, negligent, and remiss. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

When might lax be a better fit than slack?

While in some cases nearly identical to slack, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace slack?

The words neglectful and slack can be used in similar contexts, but neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can negligent take the place of slack?

While the synonyms negligent and slack are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use remiss instead of slack?

The synonyms remiss and slack are sometimes interchangeable, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

Examples 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 slack

Adjective

At times, Byron Wu and Brad Falchuk’s series goes slack and switches tones too abruptly while firing off jokes that go splat. —

Randy Myers, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2024 As labor markets became slack, HR shifted its focus to relentless cost cutting. —

Peter Cappelli ranya Nehmeh, Harvard Business Review, 17 June 2024

Noun

Picking up the slack in Philadelphia's rushing attack has been Saquon Barkley. —

Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 In the black and white photo posted on her Instagram Stories, Watts could be seen wearing a lengthy black coat with a white button-down top and black slacks and her hair styled up in a ponytail. —

Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 26 Oct. 2024

Verb

While he certainly can't be accused of slacking, many of Lynch's loyal fans are only fans of his film and television work. —

Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 5 Aug. 2024 For one, during an emotional experience — say, a confrontation with a slacking colleague — your fight-or-flight system is activated, leading stress hormones like cortisol, norepinephrine, and adrenaline to surge through the body. —

Anna Medaris, Vox, 21 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for slack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack

Adjective

The retailer’s main deals hub is bursting with can’t-miss savings on cozy sweaters for date night, winter travel, lazy days at home, and everything in between.

Emily Weaver, People.com, 30 Nov. 2024
On lazy days, there’s plenty of room to roll up the doors, admire the lake, and take a nap.

Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 30 Nov. 2024