slack 1 of 3

adjective

ˈslak How to pronounce slack (audio)
Definition of slacknext
1
as in lazy
failing to give proper care and attention a building contractor known mainly for his firm's slack workmanship and slipshod construction

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2
as in flexible
not bound by rigid standards slack supervision on the project

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3
as in loosened
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched left the ropes slack

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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2
as in slackness
the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line take up the slack of a rope

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3
as in pants
slacks plural an outer garment covering each leg separately from waist to ankle she prefers wearing slacks instead of a dress

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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

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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

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

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
Arctic Monkeys, who had a flawless run of six Number 1 albums in the U.K. starting with their 2006 debut, also get slack for changing their sound between each album. —Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 Ben O’Hanlon, the key stunt rigger, rigged up a slack line that went around a corner. —Leia Mendoza, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Noun
Picking up the slack The Horned Frogs had success against Boozer in the first half. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, Jacobs encourages everyone — women in particular — to cut themselves some slack. —Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Not that the segment was slacking—far from it. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025 Selva raised her chin, causing the length of rope above the noose to go slightly slack. —George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
  1. lazy
  2. flexible
  3. loosened
  4. latitude
  5. loosen
  6. careless
  7. relaxed
  8. loose
Adjective
  • Just don’t get lazy about it… Need a news break?
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Jones had complained that Wallace was lazy at work before Wallace was fired.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • There was experimental literature in which the role of the author could be tweaked; in popular fiction, authorship could be a flexible concept.
    — Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • According to experts, someone can be easygoing without being passive, or flexible while also staying engaged.
    — Jenna Ryu, SELF, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • For now, though, Detroit’s automakers are leaning into the lucre that comes from selling millions of fossil-fuel vehicles in a rare moment of loosened regulation.
    — Bloomberg, Oc Register, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of loosened
Noun
  • Together, these cosmic ingredients could keep auroras active tonight, offering skywatchers another chance to glimpse the colorful display dancing across higher-latitude skies.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
  • In northern latitudes, greenhouses are usually oriented east to west, with a clear exposure on the south side (that means no shade).
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of latitude
Verb
  • Gently remove your Milky Way™ Dietes from its pot and loosen the roots.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026
  • For the past month, wellness and longevity enthusiasts have eagerly waited for the federal government to loosen restrictions on some of the trendy and unapproved therapies.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 31 Mar. 2026
Definition of loosen
Adjective
  • Littleton police say the driver behind the wheel of a semi-truck that crashed into a QuickTrip on West Belleview Avenue and smashed a car against a wall is facing careless driving charges.
    — Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In 2009, Woods was cited for careless driving.
    — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • The contrast in the shoe creates a very polished look without losing the relaxed feel of the denim.
    — René Chávez Esparza, Glamour, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The diner fashioned a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
    — Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • The live-action show is a rather loose adaptation of the original manga, presenting itself as a glossy prestige drama, a bit more serious than its source material.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Rodón, 33, is working his way back from an October operation to remove a bone spur and loose bodies in his left elbow.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2026
Definition of loose

Browse Nearby Words

slabs
slack
slacked
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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of slack for Spanish Speakers

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