slack 1 of 3

Definition of slacknext
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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

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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
Ben O’Hanlon, the key stunt rigger, rigged up a slack line that went around a corner. Leia Mendoza, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025 For months, Wall Street commentators have fretted that the artificial intelligence boom looks like a bubble, with capital spending – which some analysts estimate could reach $3 trillion by 2028 – fattening a few mega-cap firms, while lower-income workers suffer from a slack labor market. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Maybe these choices aren’t driven by a fear of ceding audience attention to TikTok so much as by fear of letting a taut story go slack. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 2026 The picks below capture the same energy and happen to look great with matching slacks or cigarette jeans. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
Selva raised her chin, causing the length of rope above the noose to go slightly slack. George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025 Conventional mooring setups can easily become overextended or slack as levels shift, forcing operators to perform manual readjustments or face operational risks. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Chef Velázquez recommends this sandy destination to get together with family and friends for a lazy day at the beach.
    Lauren Sanchez, Vogue, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The destination features the Loco Waterpark, the world’s longest lazy river and seven distinct neighborhoods.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Experts believe the crown’s flexible mount was strained when thieves wrenched it from its display through a narrow slot cut by the angle grinder, according to a report by the Louvre.
    Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The passenger version supports flexible layouts.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
Noun
  • Tree cover is almost absent above 71 degrees north latitude, approaching the Arctic Circle, the researchers said.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Until now, any free-speech debates concerning sitting members of Congress have led to the conclusion that lawmakers ought to have—to borrow from former Chief Justice Earl Warren—the widest possible latitude to express themselves.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash or two of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Los Angeles loosened conversion rules, allowing commercial buildings just 15 years old to become housing with streamlined city approvals instead of lengthy reviews.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Brooklyn got careless, committing nine turnovers in the quarter.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • That will be the difference in the game unless Darnold is careless with the ball.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Instead of blindly following your partner into a defensive crouch, lead them back to an open, relaxed posture that builds true connection.
    Matt Abrahams, CNBC, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The crisp side stripes add a chic, athletic edge—wear the full set with retro sneakers, or split it up with the pants styled with a cardigan and the top paired with relaxed denim.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • None of these would form the loose, granular snow conditions that compress under skis on Earth and Pluto's gravity only makes things worse.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • This will get rid of any loose hair, flaky skin, or pesky dandruff.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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