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
Federal Reserve officials consider the JOLTS report an important indicator of labor market slack. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2025 State and local jurisdictions pick up some of the slack, but this creates a patchwork of rules about indoor air. Roxanne Khamsi, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
The story here is simple: Boston is relying too much on the three-point shot and has started to slack on the defensive end. Hunter Felt, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • On Facebook, the city government shared images of cracks in the walls of the lazy river, rust in the mechanical room and chipping concrete on a pedestrian bridge.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025
  • In contrast to Joe Biden, Trump is not a traditional Atlanticist, views many of Washington's security arrangements in Europe as either antiquated or unfair, and tends to scoff at the European theater writ-large as lazy teenagers who take their parent's support for granted.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The sneakers use Vionic’s signature Vio-Motion technology for a stable, comfortable, and flexible fit that aids in full-body alignment.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • However, most new users can start with the more flexible $1,500 first bet.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The yacht is named after Robert Were Fox the Younger, a 19th-century scientist who invented a compass that measured magnetic dip at sea in high latitudes, leading to the discovery of the South Pole.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That stance loosened about 15 years ago, primarily in baseball.
    Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Steam loosens any dirt on the floor, even working up sticky residue.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Heat committed 14 turnovers, several of them particularly careless, and shot just 9 for 37 (24.3 percent) on threes.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Nests are usually placed on a horizontal conifer branch less than 10 feet above the ground, which makes sense, given the careless, rickety appearance of their design.
    Matt Kracht, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The town’s relaxed coffee houses, restaurants, shops and boutiques are just a few steps from The Roundtree.
    Irene S. Levine, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
  • For a relaxed paddle in town, head to the lakes at Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, which has a boat ramp and floating docks.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025
  • His right rear wheel got loose and came off, sending him straight to the outside wall.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Designed to be a lush, year-round oasis, this innovative space combines design elements inspired by Portland’s urban charm and tropical island retreats, bringing a slice of paradise to the city during the (in)famous Pacific Northwest rainy season.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The United States won the space race and sent men to walk on the moon without a federal Department of Education.
    The Editors, National Review, 21 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 29 Mar. 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!