SLOUGH Synonyms: 90 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'slough' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of slough are cast , discard , junk , scrap , and shed . While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster. // shed a bad habit // finally sloughed off the depression

Q: When is it sensible to use 'cast' instead of 'slough'?

The words cast and slough can be used in similar contexts, but cast , especially when used with off, away , or out , implies a forceful rejection or repudiation. // cast off her friends

Q: When might 'discard' be a better fit than 'slough'?

The meanings of discard and slough largely overlap; however, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless. // discard old clothes

Q: How do 'scrap' and 'junk' relate to one another, in the sense of 'slough'?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form. // scrap all the old ways // would junk our educational system

slough 1 of 3

noun

ˈslü

variants also slew or slue

Definition of slough

as in marsh

spongy land saturated or partially covered with water the land for miles around the lake is strewn with ponds, sloughs, and mudflats

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slough

2 of 3

verb (1)

as in to shuffle

to move heavily or clumsily the unpleasant task of sloughing through the muck to retrieve the ball

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

slough

3 of 3

verb (2)

ˈsləf

variants also sluff

as in to shed

to cast (a natural bodily covering or appendage) aside the snake is sloughing its old skin

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word slough different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of slough are cast, discard, junk, scrap, and shed. While all these words mean "to get rid of," shed and slough imply a throwing off of something both useless and encumbering and often suggest a consequent renewal of vitality or luster.

shed a bad habit

finally sloughed off the depression

When is it sensible to use cast instead of slough?

The words cast and slough can be used in similar contexts, but cast, especially when used with off, away, or out, implies a forceful rejection or repudiation.

cast off her friends

When might discard be a better fit than slough?

The meanings of discard and slough largely overlap; however, discard implies the letting go or throwing away of something that has become useless or superfluous though often not intrinsically valueless.

discard old clothes

How do scrap and junk relate to one another, in the sense of slough?

Both scrap and junk imply throwing away or breaking up as worthless in existent form.

scrap all the old ways

would junk our educational system

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 slough

Noun

Ellison in recent weeks has sought to beat back Bonta with a slew of moves — a foot-soldier media blitz, a threat to leave California and a motion to force Bonta’s hand by making taxpayers pay the ticking-clock fees. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026 Moreover, the hotel features a slew of culinary options including La Boca by chef Francis Mallamann, La Cava, The Living Room and El Secreto. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026

Verb

If left untreated, the affected tissue surrounding the bite dies and sloughs off the body, leaving behind an ulcer. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 Compared with synthetic fibers, which slough off microplastics that pollute waterways, land and air, natural fibers can be grown or raised in ways that sequester carbon, improve soil health and reduce inputs like pesticides, resulting in a lower environmental footprint, Pingree said. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for slough

Recent Examples of Synonyms for slough

Noun

Smaller marshes are proposed at the Tecolote Creek outfall and at East Shores south of the visitor center.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
North American river otters live in rivers, lakes, streams, marshes and on seacoasts, according to the conservation group River Otter Ecology Project.

— Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of marsh

Verb

Since Brian Schottenheimer lasted six years, from 2006 until 2011, the Jets have shuffled through 10 offensive coordinators (including Reich), and none lasted for more than two seasons.

— Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
The line shuffles forward quickly, and my heart knots in my chest as Heartfillers are dosed to each person up ahead.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of shuffle

Verb

But other roles are likely to be shed as the companies join forces and look to streamline operations.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Contributor Stewart Savin put this model to the test by cleaning up after her 60-pound German Shepherd rescue mix, whose shedding season is 365 days a year.

— Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of shed

Verb

The Miami Dolphins stumbled through a lopsided preseason loss to the New York Giants, sustained a key injury and continued sorting through roster questions before the season opener.

— Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Most injuries occurred as residents were tossed from beds or stumbled in the dark; trains and airport links were briefly disrupted, a Tokyo water main burst, and hundreds lost power.

— Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of stumble

Verb

Keeley barges in, wanting £300,000 for a new locker room to which feminist Rebecca, despite her feminism, has to say no.

— Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Also just 20, the Eintracht Frankfurt winger can play across the front line, possesses a similarly devastating strike from distance, and is difficult to barge off the ball in tight spaces.

— Thom Harris, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of barge

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sloughed

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“Slough.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slough. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of slough

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Synonyms of slough

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verb (2)

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