slacken

[slak-uhn]

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

/ ˈslækən /

verb

1. to make or become looser

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

Other Word Forms

• unslackened adjective
• unslackening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of slacken¹

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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

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

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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