slack 1 of 3

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slack

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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

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
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
Adjective
  • The doc possesses a flexible form that rightly insists the rest of us lean in.
    Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 24 Jan. 2025
  • They are known for being more flexible, providing a player shows a determination to leave.
    The Athletic UK Staff, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Regional hotspots of change in northern high latitudes informed by observations from space.
    Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Trial judges are granted wide latitude to decide what sanctions should be applied when discovery evidence is handed over after court deadlines, Newton said.
    Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What to do: To remove excess hair, cut the hair strands with scissors to loosen them up and pull them out of the brush.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The clearest way for the White House to loosen rules requiring automakers to make more EVs will be to target vehicle fuel efficiency and tailpipe standards.
    Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • His careless blind backhand pass in the neutral zone on a Blackhawks power play was intercepted and the Calgary Flames went down the ice to score their fifth goal of the game — and the fourth Jones was on for Monday night.
    Scott Powers, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
  • People with depression may be distracted on the road, have a slower reaction time, or have careless or impulsive driving behaviors, like hard braking or speeding.
    Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 9 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • In my practice, the mission has always been about creating a welcoming, relaxed environment for patients.
    Maged el-Malecki, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • It’s made from a soft, chunky fabric and has a relaxed, boxy fit.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The ski lift is 15 meters (more than 49 feet) high, the Spanish Civil Guard said in a post on X. Part of its structure collapsed after one of its pulleys became loose, Spanish public broadcaster RTVE reported.
    Catherine Nicholls, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Here’s an example of how it’s tallied: 1 point each: deflections, steals, blocks, rebounds and loose balls secured 1.5 points: offensive rebounds 2 points: floor dives 4 points: charges His defense has also improved of late.
    Kennington Smith III, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • All walks of life come together in these spaces, sitting elbow to scone in the more popular places.
    David G. Allan, CNN, 20 Jan. 2025
  • This space often gets missed when cleaning because of paper clutter, so there’s likely buildup on the desk and surrounding office space.
    Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near slack

Cite this Entry

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

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