1
as in to loosen
to make less taut
you'll need to slacken the rope a bit to get it free of that post
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to slow
to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace
drivers need to slacken their speed as they approach the sharp curve
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Recent Examples of slacken
There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides Friday despite slackening rain around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned.
—
Ty Oneil, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
And while Braum’s has recently slackened its former rule of not venturing 300 miles from the farm (that number is now 330 miles), Beuchaw says the company does not plan to inch out any further.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
However, despite high prices, consumer demand for beef has yet to meaningfully slacken, especially with the summer grilling months.
—Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slacken
Ty Oneil, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
And while Braum’s has recently slackened its former rule of not venturing 300 miles from the farm (that number is now 330 miles), Beuchaw says the company does not plan to inch out any further.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
The potential for sharp, disputatious cultural criticism has arguably slackened.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2025
However, despite high prices, consumer demand for beef has yet to meaningfully slacken, especially with the summer grilling months.
—Reia Li, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for slacken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacken
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Perhaps, on extremely long timescales, those heavier elements will sink to the center of the core, producing an inert center that slows the rate of fusion even further.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
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Predators coaches Andrew Brunette and Darby Hendrickson — well-known for their on-ice work in Minnesota two decades ago — likely spent considerable time with their team going over detailed tactics on how to slow down the red-hot Wild.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Stanton demonstrates his battery by shorting the coils, which halts the pendulum due to the magnetic field’s braking effect.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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According to officials, the SUV attempted to brake for debris on the road when the bus collided, sending them both into the concrete barrier and ending up on the Turner Turnpike shoulder.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slacken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacken. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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