RETARD Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'retard' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retard are delay , detain , slacken , and slow . While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping. // language barriers retarded their progress

Q: When can 'delay' be used instead of 'retard'?

The meanings of delay and retard largely overlap; however, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. // bad weather delayed our arrival

Q: When might 'detain' be a better fit than 'retard'?

The words detain and retard can be used in similar contexts, but detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time. // unexpected business had detained her

Q: When could 'slacken' be used to replace 'retard'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retard , slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort. // on hot days runners slacken their pace

Q: How do 'slow' and 'slacken' relate to one another, in the sense of 'retard'?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention. // medication slowed the patient's heart rate

retard

verb

ri-ˈtärd

Definition of retard

as in to slow

to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace an herbicide to retard the growth of weeds

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How is the word retard distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of retard are delay, detain, slacken, and slow. While all these words mean "to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress," retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

language barriers retarded their progress

When can delay be used instead of retard?

The meanings of delay and retard largely overlap; however, delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

When might detain be a better fit than retard?

The words detain and retard can be used in similar contexts, but detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

When could slacken be used to replace retard?

While in some cases nearly identical to retard, slacken suggests an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

How do slow and slacken relate to one another, in the sense of retard?

Both slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention.

medication slowed the patient's heart rate

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 retard But that approach is rather slow to respond and is limited to applying retarding force. — IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2018

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retard

Verb

Despite a slowing economy and domestic labor-market pressures, China continues to subsidize and incentivize companies in Fujian to recruit young Taiwanese to work in the province.

— Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Introducing conscious thoughts actually disrupts this flow and slows down the process.

— Jesse Granger, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of slow

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retaliatory

retard

retardant

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“Retard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retard. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of retard

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