slack 1 of 3

adjective

ˈslak How to pronounce slack (audio)
Definition of slacknext
1
as in lazy
failing to give proper care and attention a building contractor known mainly for his firm's slack workmanship and slipshod construction

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2
as in flexible
not bound by rigid standards slack supervision on the project

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in loosened
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched left the ropes slack

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slack

2 of 3

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

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

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3
as in pants
slacks plural an outer garment covering each leg separately from waist to ankle she prefers wearing slacks instead of a dress

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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

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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
The worst transition is from a frictionless sprint into slack time or shallow administrative work. — Yaniv Golan, Forbes.com, 16 Mar. 2026 But what happens when the detox is over and the chorus of text pings, slack dings and social media notifications swells throughout the rest of the year? — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
In photos shared by The Daily Mail, Hadid brightened up her Parisian Sunday excursion with a pair of flowy butter yellow slacks and a semi-sheer white T-shirt that showed off a white bra underneath. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Aug. 2026 Professional clothing items like slacks, blouses, and jackets give those trying to re-enter the workforce something to wear for interviews and work. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
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 And under Chay Yew’s somewhat slack direction, Chinese Republicans never really finds its stride. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slack
  1. lazy
  2. flexible
  3. loosened
  4. latitude
  5. slackness
  6. loosen
  7. careless
  8. relaxed
Adjective
  • New York — A $15 million aquatic center with a six-lane pool, waterslides and a lazy river opened in Quincy, Washington, a few weeks ago.
    — Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Mark Garcia, of Irvine, who won second place in the amateur category, found a mother harbor seal with her pup on a lazy afternoon at Treasure Island Beach.
    — Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • The technicians melted pellets to roll out flexible films for food packaging, like a bag for baby carrots.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The company also reports that its approach can reduce costs by 50 percent to 65 percent compared with conventional boatbuilding, highlighting the potential for faster and more flexible USV manufacturing.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the loosened gum and any soapy residue.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Hence shirt jackets and safari jackets in linen and leather came to the fore, as did denim Bermudas, linen polos and lots of lifestyle knits amid its more formal, full-canvas tailoring — styled with a loosened tie.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026
Definition of loosened
Noun
  • The trend is worst in the tropics, even though overall warming is stronger at higher latitudes.
    — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The Copernicus report also said that average sea surface temperatures reached their highest levels for July across extrapolar oceans — the bodies of water between latitudes 60 degrees south and 60 degrees north that are free of seasonal sea ice.
    — Denise Chow, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of latitude
Noun
  • In the games so far, there have been quite a few fumbles and an apparent slackness of mind and limb.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 24 June 2026
Definition of slackness
Verb
  • Made from wood chips and sawdust bound with resin, particleboard can swell when exposed to moisture, while screws and bolts can loosen over time.
    — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Even before this summer’s heat, the EU had begun loosening a number of its emissions targets and delaying the phaseout of gas and diesel vehicles, in an apparent effort to blunt the far right’s use of green policies as a campaign issue.
    — Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of loosen
Adjective
  • Jaynes pleaded not guilty Monday to a felony count of leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage of more than $10,000 and a traffic violation of careless and prohibited driving.
    — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2026
  • Myers, however, threw a careless hit that concussed Matty Beniers during his rookie campaign, and Kraken fans have long remembered that sequence.
    — Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Both the drop-shoulder tee and the elastic-waist shorts have a relaxed, roomy fit for ultimate comfort and airflow.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Lawrence is loyal to easy, relaxed pants—and her jeans are no exception.
    — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of relaxed

Browse Nearby Words

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slack
slacked
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Cite this Entry

“Slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slack. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of slack for Spanish Speakers

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