as in loosening
to make less taut the skipper ordered the crew to slack off the sheets on the mainsail
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 slacking
New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026 Not that the segment was slacking—far from it. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
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 Not that the segment was slacking—far from it. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 14 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slacking
Noun
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The researchers concluded that at least one of the keys to preventing social loafing is restoring individual responsibility within a group.— Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ahead of the weekend, the POTUS signed an executive order loosening restrictions for substances like ibogaine, which veterans groups have indicated helps treat symptoms of PTSD.— Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Apr. 2026
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Meanwhile, new developments in what the president calls his push to make America healthy again, an executive order loosening restrictions on psychedelic drugs.— CBS News, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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For a set that feels like a true lounging experience, this swivel glider rocker set is an easy yes.— Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
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Other touches aboard each superyacht, per the renderings, include a sunpad forward, as well as plenty of space for alfresco dining and lounging.— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Hammers tapped slackening fibers and instead of the pleasant overtones of a major scale, a nauseating cacophony swelled from the instrument’s wooden belly.— Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 21 Jan. 2026
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There was still a risk of more flash flooding and mudslides Friday despite slackening rain around Los Angeles, the National Weather Service warned.— TY ONEIL, Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025
Noun
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There is no penalty associated with unattended idling in state statute, however, individual municipalities have ordinances in place with fines for the action.— Anna Kleiber, jsonline.com, 18 Nov. 2025
Noun
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President Grant Day doesn’t need to be an official or legal holiday where Illinois state employees get the day off, like Lincoln’s Birthday.— Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
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Louisiana is the only state where Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.— Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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For the remaining time, they are expected to stay on call, often without rest, ready to care for vulnerable New Yorkers.— Christopher Marte, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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This means rest could be misclassified as sleep in some cases.— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/slacking. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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