SLOW Synonyms: 504 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'slow' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slow are delay , detain , retard , and slacken . While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention. // medication slowed the patient's heart rate

Q: In what contexts can 'delay' take the place of 'slow'?

In some situations, the words delay and slow are roughly equivalent. However, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. // bad weather delayed our arrival

Q: When would 'detain' be a good substitute for 'slow'?

The meanings of detain and slow largely overlap; however, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time. // unexpected business had detained her

Q: Where would 'retard' be a reasonable alternative to 'slow'?

While in some cases nearly identical to slow , retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping. // language barriers retarded their progress

Q: When can 'slacken' be used instead of 'slow'?

The synonyms slacken and slow are sometimes interchangeable, but slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort. // on hot days runners slacken their pace

slow 1 of 3

adjective

ˈslō

Definition of slow next

as in leisurely

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed because of the holiday, traffic to the beach was particularly slow slow readers

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as in dumb

not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily we love our bulldog though he's a little slower than our German shepherd

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as in sleepy

lacking in gaiety, movement, or animation a slow day on Wall Street

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as in boring

causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest the first half of the movie is slow, but then it gets exciting

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slow

2 of 3

verb

as in to brake

to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace if you don't slow your delivery down a bit, your speech will be over too soon

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slow

3 of 3

adverb

as in slowly

at a pace that is less than usual, desirable, or expected you need to go slow with this experiment, or you'll make mistakes

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How is the word slow distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of slow are delay, detain, retard, and slacken. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

In what contexts can delay take the place of slow?

In some situations, the words delay and slow are roughly equivalent. However, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

When would detain be a good substitute for slow?

The meanings of detain and slow largely overlap; however, detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

Where would retard be a reasonable alternative to slow?

While in some cases nearly identical to slow, retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

When can slacken be used instead of slow?

The synonyms slacken and slow are sometimes interchangeable, but slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

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 slow

Adjective

This will include recruiting mercenaries and migrants to offset losses on the front line where Russian forces are making slow gains but at a considerable cost in personnel. —

Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025 Enjoy slow sipping on Cha-an’s roasted green or rose green flavors. —

Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2025

Verb

But Trump does not seem intent on slowing down, with his barrage of executive actions piling up through his first three weeks in office. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 11 Feb. 2025 The trade war has added worry to financial markets that are already concerned over persistent inflation and how the duties might slow the U.S. economy and harm profits. —

Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025

Adverb

Pickering looked a step slow all night and Joseph was unable to handle some of the bigger Ducks forwards on a couple of occasions. —

Josh Yohe, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025 Just make sure to start low and go slow with dosing to find what works best for you! —

Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for slow

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slow

Adjective

The contrast detailing gives the classic silhouette a polished touch, while the lightweight, flowy fabric moves beautifully—whether you're headed to a spring wedding, a beach vacation, or just a leisurely Saturday stroll.

— Kaitlin Marks, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025
Fortunately, all of the bookstores in the region — a few of them dangerously close to the fires — are still standing, and for many customers, the leisurely impulse to buy a book has taken on new urgency.

— Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025

Definition of leisurely

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“Slow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slow. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 21 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of slow

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