Synonyms of slackens

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loosens
• relaxes
• slacks
• eases
• detaches
• unties
• unfastens
• undoes
• frees
• unbinds

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tensions
• tightens
• stretches
• binds
• attaches
• ties
• fastens
• strains
• restrains
• tenses
• constrains

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• slows
• brakes
• decelerates
• inhibits
• stops
• hinders
• retards
• impedes
• restrains
• halts
• obstructs
• curbs
• reins
• hampers
• encumbers
• checks
• thwarts
• constrains
• hobbles
• handicaps
• holds back
• frustrates
• ties up
• arrests
• sets back
• foils
• baffles
• sabotages
• bottlenecks
• holds up

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accelerates
• quickens
• hastens
• rushes
• speeds (up)
• hurries
• pushes
• urges
• encourages
• stirs
• spurs
• propels
• drives
• facilitates
• helps
• aids
• advances
• steps up
• eases
• furthers
• goads
• dispatches
• forwards
• expedites

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of slackens

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

Electromagnetism and the weak interaction intensify, while the strong force slackens. — Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2026

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

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