slack 1 of 3

1
2
3

slack

2 of 3

noun

1
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

2
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

3

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
Forward Rui Hachimura picked up the scoring slack left by Davis, posting 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting (four 3-pointers) and grabbing six rebounds. Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 5 Feb. 2025 Though the report runs a month behind other jobs data, the Federal Reserve watches it closely for signs of a slack or tight labor market. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 4 Feb. 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
  • The man’s pretty mouth is curved into a lazy grin, arms crossed over his superb chest.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Some have kitchenettes, others provide private beach access, but all get access to the $65 million Harborside Pool Club, complete with a lazy river, kids center, and pair of three-story waterslides.
    Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • What’s needed now are more flexible funding schemes and opportunities that will allow Latvian productions to be competitive on the global market.
    Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Be flexible If your child’s birthday falls on a holiday, flexibility is key.
    ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The best view—when the planets will all be visible against a dark sky, for those in a lucky band of latitudes—will present itself between February 23–26.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The world of many dinosaurs had a climate that varied by latitude.
    Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Everyone at the club has been holding out for the moment when new ownership arrived and the purse strings can finally be loosened.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Honey, peppermint, licorice root, elderberry, ginger, and green tea can loosen mucus and help relieve a nagging cough.
    Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • These research projects, ongoing at UCF, could be among the research hit by the budget ax being wielded by careless hands — part of a nationwide strike against grants funded by the National Institutes of Health.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2025
  • The program has faced consequences of careless actions even before that, said Benjamin Chevat, executive director at Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act.
    Nancy Cutler, USA TODAY, 19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The city’s famous coffee shops offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy premium cannabis while soaking in the charming canals and vibrant arts scene.
    Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2025
  • The Village opened a basement eatery called Sotto in December with refined Italian comfort food and a relaxed climate and decor that the owners hope will attract a younger crowd.
    Peter Breen, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Charters for hire operate under looser FAR Part 135 rules.
    Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Eventually, Payne learned to lean into the loose, cheeky, respectfully rowdy aura One Direction cultivated during their peak years.
    Federico Fahsbender, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • After so many experiences and adventures in the restaurant industry, the team is relishing the creativity of owning their own space inside City Kitch at 2200 Thrift Road.
    Jenny Hartley, Charlotte Observer, 11 Feb. 2025
  • This anti-plain water crowd has really claimed its space in the market in recent years.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 11 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on slack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!