1
as in loosens
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 slows
to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace
drivers need to slacken their speed as they approach the sharp curve
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of slackens
On DeFilippis’s stage (kept effectively earthy and stark by scenic designer Ashley Basile), the stakes are ratcheted up from the jump and the tension never slackens.
—
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Electromagnetism and the weak interaction intensify, while the strong force slackens.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The pacing slackens a little as the complicated process inches forward, but the ending tugs the heartstrings in enormously satisfying ways.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
With the help of Matt Mayer’s rhythmic editing and Tony Doogan’s string-torturing score, the intrigue never slackens.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Aug. 2025
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Electromagnetism and the weak interaction intensify, while the strong force slackens.
—Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026
The pacing slackens a little as the complicated process inches forward, but the ending tugs the heartstrings in enormously satisfying ways.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
With the help of Matt Mayer’s rhythmic editing and Tony Doogan’s string-torturing score, the intrigue never slackens.
—Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackens
Verb
-
Water loosens the soil around the roots, and facilitates extraction.—
David Beaulieu,
The Spruce,
11 May 2026
-
Why the Story is Bigger Than Finance The more interesting part of the company’s positioning begins once the finance label loosens.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
The fiber slows digestion and bulks up stool, helping manage constipation.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2026
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Each conversion slows the system and wastes energy.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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