slacken

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slacken distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slacken are delay, detain, retard, and slow. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

Where would delay be a reasonable alternative to slacken?

Although the words delay and slacken have much in common, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

When is it sensible to use detain instead of slacken?

While in some cases nearly identical to slacken, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

When would retard be a good substitute for slacken?

The synonyms retard and slacken are sometimes interchangeable, but retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

How do slow and slacken relate to one another?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

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 slacken At the very least, Kim’s restraint on missile testing is slackening and the administration ignores the end-of-year deadline at its peril. Ankit Panda, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2019 Their pace in achieving many of his campaign promises hasn’t slackened one bit. Paul Bedard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025 Maybe, kinda, but only when the tempo slackens for the album’s final two ballads. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 28 Jan. 2025 The trend is a drag on growth, business expansion and job creation in a slackening labor market. Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slacken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacken
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
Verb
  • The company, which achieved its first full year of profitability in 2024, sees further opportunity in its advertising business, but also saw ad revenue growth slow down in the second half of the year.
    Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Ne Zha 2 is slowing down in the market, and another local title is also opening this session.
    Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The braking tail-light also boasts turn signaling, which is activated from the handlebar.
    Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The switch between regenerative and friction braking during a single pedal movement can cause a vehicle's brakes to grab differently resulting in a slow or stop that is not smooth.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slacken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacken. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

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