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
Relevance
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
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 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
-
Note the control and tightness of the hatched lines on the cheek, and the way the mark loosens with the locks of hair right next to it, like wind rushing around a building.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The bill also loosens rules around building increasingly popular accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — such as granny flats, in-law suites or backyard cottages — alongside existing structures.—
Bob Woods,
CNBC,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The process that allowed the rotifer to survive is known as cryptobiosis, a biological state in which metabolic activity slows to nearly zero.—
Brittany Miller,
FOXNews.com,
25 Apr. 2026
-
During dry months, the water warms and slows — conditions that favor janitor fish over native species, Rosleine said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
