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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in flexible

not bound by rigid standards slack supervision on the project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in loosened

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in slackness

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in pants

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 slack

Adjective

Biden’s resting expression of slack confusion was almost as unnerving as his faltering efforts to make a clear and vivid case for his reëlection. —

The Editors, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2024 Instead, Joanna suggests treating slack skin with facial massage. —

Photo: Gotham/gc Images., refinery29.com, 8 Feb. 2024

Noun

That shows the irresponsibility of keeping spending as high as Newsom has because there’s no slack, as under Brown’s budgets. —

John Seiler, Orange County Register, 17 Jan. 2025 With the towline now attached, the men braced themselves as the slack ran out and the Zaida jolted forward. —

David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

Verb

My own interests as a collector shifted back to Rolex sport watches precisely because the prices have fallen, this my attempt to take advantage of slacking prices for these off-trend neo-vintage pieces. —

Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024 Brian Snyder | Reuters Job openings rose in October while hiring fell, providing more data as the Federal Reserve watches for signs of tightness or slack in the labor market before meeting next week. —

Kristian Burt, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for slack

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack

Adjective

Harrah's Resort Southern California boasts an impressive lazy river — and an active role in San Diego's Pride celebrations.

— Jared Ranahan, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025
Boardwalks lead past breezy picnic pavilions and rows of lazy loungers and Bahamian blue and yellow-colored umbrellas to the pink sands of Eleuthera.

— Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 20 Jan. 2025