as in loosening
to make less taut
the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of slacking
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Redneck points out that it's heightened the XL's front wall by 11 inches (28 cm) as compared to older Freedom models, slacking up the angle of the roof to adjust for it.
—
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
Not that the segment was slacking—far from it.
—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
14 Dec. 2025
Verb
But your employee isn’t slacking, Kagan said.
—
Jessica Guynn,
USA Today,
14 June 2026
Redneck points out that it's heightened the XL's front wall by 11 inches (28 cm) as compared to older Freedom models, slacking up the angle of the roof to adjust for it.
—
New Atlas,
13 Apr. 2026
Not that the segment was slacking—far from it.
—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
14 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacking
Noun
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The researchers concluded that at least one of the keys to preventing social loafing is restoring individual responsibility within a group.
Verb
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Matching trousers stayed narrow through the hips before loosening down the leg into a slight flare.
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The Supreme Court on Tuesday sided with congressional Republicans in further loosening campaign finance limits, a decision likely to upend how political parties funnel millions of dollars into TV ads in the upcoming midterm elections.
Noun
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This 1889 Second Empire–style Victorian in the Gold Coast has a spacious roof terrace with a wrought-iron decorative railing, space for alfresco dining and lounging, and lake views.
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The president also posted a fake image of himself and several of his administration officials in swimsuits, along with an unidentified woman in a bikini lounging in the water.
Verb
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Another factor was the slackening appeal of industrial companies, which had long absorbed the greatest number of young graduates.
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Hammers tapped slackening fibers and instead of the pleasant overtones of a major scale, a nauseating cacophony swelled from the instrument’s wooden belly.
Noun
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There is no penalty associated with unattended idling in state statute, however, individual municipalities have ordinances in place with fines for the action.
Noun
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California, where his farm workers organizing movement began, made his birthday a legal holiday in 2000, and President Barack Obama later established it as a federal commemorative holiday.
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Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.
Noun
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To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
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Increasingly, however, many are embracing a different definition—one that includes rest, healing, preventative care, joy, and self-investment.
Cite this Entry
“Slacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacking. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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