slacken

American  

[slak-uhn] / ˈslæk ən /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.

   Synonyms:

   abate , slack , loosen , relax

2. to make or become looser or less taut.

   Synonyms:

   abate , slack , loosen , relax

   Antonyms:

   tense , tighten

---

slacken British  

/ ˈslækən /

verb

1. to make or become looser

2. to make or become slower, less intense, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• unslackened adjective
• unslackening adjective

Etymology

Origin of slacken

First recorded in 1570–80; slack ¹ + -en ¹

Example Sentences

“Consumers and businesses endured another difficult quarter as higher taxes and heightened uncertainty triggered a renewed reluctance to spend, invest and trade, while government spending slackened unexpectedly,” said Suren Thiru, economics director at the ICAEW.

From The Wall Street Journal

You absolutely must allow your lower face to slacken naturally, which may be right around the moment Kardashian parts her artificially plumped lips to make a heroic attempt at acting.

From Salon

The onions will slacken and sweeten over indirect heat while he assembles the rest.

From The Wall Street Journal

As the wings begin to generate lift, the rotors’ pace slackens.

From The Wall Street Journal

The central bank is trying to shore up a slackening U.S. jobs market while ensuring inflation doesn’t get out of hand again.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• abate
• diminish
• loosen
• mitigate
• relent
• retard
• sag
• soften
• subside
• weaken