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
New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
Not that the segment was slacking—far from it.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Verb
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
-
The researchers concluded that at least one of the keys to preventing social loafing is restoring individual responsibility within a group.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Erdoğan centralized power around himself but also pushed for loosening the country’s borders and extending Turkey’s influence into the region—into Syria, Iraq, Libya, Azerbaijan, and beyond—as a crucial part of Turkey’s new mission and ideology.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Many Republicans oppose loosening marijuana restrictions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Rooms are generous in size and designed for lingering and lounging.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Sliding glass doors spill out to a loggia ideal for alfresco lounging and dining.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Hammers tapped slackening fibers and instead of the pleasant overtones of a major scale, a nauseating cacophony swelled from the instrument’s wooden belly.—
Sasha Geffen,
Pitchfork,
21 Jan. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
There is no penalty associated with unattended idling in state statute, however, individual municipalities have ordinances in place with fines for the action.—
Anna Kleiber,
jsonline.com,
18 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
President Grant Day doesn’t need to be an official or legal holiday where Illinois state employees get the day off, like Lincoln’s Birthday.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Beijing has long treated advanced technology transactions as matters of national security, even when the legal framing rests in competition policy.—
Dewardric L. McNeal,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Parents, rest easy for now For the time being, responsible parents in Florida can rest easy that school enrollment vaccination requirements will remain in place.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slacking. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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