slack 1 of 3

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slack

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noun

1
as in latitude
an allowable margin of freedom or variation our boss doesn't cut us any slack when it comes to being back from lunch on time

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in slackness
the extent to which something hangs or dips below a straight line take up the slack of a rope

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

slack

3 of 3

verb

as in to loosen
to make less taut the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slack different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of slack are lax, neglectful, negligent, and remiss. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

When might lax be a better fit than slack?

While in some cases nearly identical to slack, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace slack?

The words neglectful and slack can be used in similar contexts, but neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can negligent take the place of slack?

While the synonyms negligent and slack are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use remiss instead of slack?

The synonyms remiss and slack are sometimes interchangeable, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

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 slack
Adjective
Before centre-back Gimenez could come on, more slack marking allowed Ferran Torres a free header to make it 2-2. Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025 My actual dining companion, dressed in her nonprofit workwear, was slack jawed at the precision of the seasoning. Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
Jess, even-keeled as ever, apologizes to Damo and Kyle for being distracted over the charter and thanks them for picking up the slack. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 15 July 2025 That’s why California policymakers are increasingly counting on battery storage, which emits no carbon dioxide, to pick up the slack. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
Verb
Whether progress endures will depend on whether state policymakers resist the urge to slack on debt reduction at the first sign of improvement. Andrew Fowler, Hartford Courant, 8 May 2025 Munn, 44, caught both slack and praise from social media followers after sharing a series of photos of her 3-year-old son, Malcolm, walking down the street in New York City without shoes. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
Adjective
  • Babitz is often contrasted with her frenemy Joan Didion—Babitz was cast in the popular imagination as the fun, ditzy sexpot, as opposed to Didion’s cool, cold-blooded stenographer—but the maturity and thoughtfulness of these stories dispel any lazy stereotypes.
    The Atlantic Culture Desk, The Atlantic, 23 July 2025
  • It's adorned as a melting ski resort, featuring cool slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • This entails the focus on more flexible work arrangements and challenges the more deeply rooted traditional relationships between employees and employers.
    Bankim Chandra, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The upcoming academic year will mark the debut of a new, more flexible ban on cellphone use at schools.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Participating in the type of cover-up his supporters decry The backlash over the Trump administration's memo and the president's defense of Bondi has been swift and intense from supporters who have given him wide latitude in the past.
    Stephen Fowler, NPR, 14 July 2025
  • The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Work on resolving your insecurities and loosen the reins.
    Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
  • Amid diminishing box office returns and creative troubles, Marvel's vice-like grip on the cinematic superhero genre is loosening.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Adjective
  • Proof Carefully To Show Professionalism And Attention To Detail What gets my negative attention are résumés with careless errors—typos, missing words and inconsistent formatting.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Social media erupted in fear, and disgust, or simply threw shame his way for being careless.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • The following Canadian towns offer a more local experience than their big city neighbors, are more affordable, and allow travelers to get to know the destination at a slower and more relaxed pace.
    Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Another 2024 Michelin winner is Rocca, where chef and owner Bryce Bonsack serves Italian fare in a relaxed atmosphere inspired by his pilgrimage to Italy.
    Mariette Williams, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • The drone with its live, loose grenade needs to be handled by an explosive ordnance disposal tech.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • The music of this six-piece L.A. County band feels loose on purpose, and it’s held together by something intuitive, a shared language that doesn’t need translating.
    Leah Lu, Rolling Stone, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Being in the crowded wellness space, Silverman also knew that strategy alone wouldn't cut it.
    Renae Gregoire, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Lark Manor Arcel Double Dresser Dressers do a lot of heavy lifting when working with limited space.
    Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 19 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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