slackens

verb

present tense third-person singular of slacken
1
as in loosens
to make less taut you'll need to slacken the rope a bit to get it free of that post

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in slows
to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace drivers need to slacken their speed as they approach the sharp curve

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 slackens Electromagnetism and the weak interaction intensify, while the strong force slackens. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026 With the help of Matt Mayer’s rhythmic editing and Tony Doogan’s string-torturing score, the intrigue never slackens. — Bob Strauss, San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Aug. 2025 The pacing slackens a little as the complicated process inches forward, but the ending tugs the heartstrings in enormously satisfying ways. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026 On DeFilippis’s stage (kept effectively earthy and stark by scenic designer Ashley Basile), the stakes are ratcheted up from the jump and the tension never slackens. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slackens
  1. loosens
  2. slows
Verb
  • The heat softens and loosens debris in the carpet fibers so it can be vacuumed away.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
  • One of the gentlest is WD-40, which loosens rust, lubricates parts, and helps protect the surface from further rusting.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
Definition of loosens
Verb
  • Cooling potatoes after cooking converts some of the starch into resistant starch, which slows blood sugar spikes.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 July 2026
  • During busy times, intersections become jammed, and traffic slows down to a crawl.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of slows

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slackening
slackens
slacker
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Cite this Entry

“Slackens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slackens. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on slackens

Nglish: Translation of slackens for Spanish Speakers

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