slackens
Becomes less taut
Slackens means becomes looser, slower, or less intense.
A rope slackens when tension releases.
Pace slackens when someone tires.
Demand slackens during off-seasons.
Interest in the project slackened after the initial excitement faded.
The word implies a gradual easing rather than a sudden stop.
Become less tense
- unwindRelease accumulated tension
- restCessation of activity
- easeLack of strain
- let goCease holding something
decompress · loosen up · take it easy · idle · pause · respite · breather · downtime
Reduce in degree
- diminishTo make smaller
- reduceMake smaller in degree
- decreaseBecome or make smaller
- abateLessen in intensity
subside · ebb · wane · taper · dwindle · drop · fall off · decline
loosen
Reduce tension or grip
relax · ease · give · yield · let out · unclench · unbind · unhook · unbuckle · unstrap
relax
Become less tense
let go · decompress · loosen up · take it easy · idle · pause · respite · breather · downtime · leisure
lessen
Reduce in degree
abate · subside · ebb · wane · taper · dwindle · drop · fall off · decline · ease off
slow
Lacking in speed
- decelerateReduce velocity
- ease upBecome less intense
- let upDecrease in force
brake · lag · wind down · lose steam · flag · falter · relent · peter out · taper off
weaken
Reduce in strength
- deteriorateGrow worse over time
- erodeDiminish through persistent friction
- sapPlant circulatory fluid
undermine · atrophy · debilitate · enfeeble · languish · wilt · wither · fade · fail · decline
slackenstightens
Makes less loose
stiffens · strengthens · reinforces · cracks down · clamps down
- slacked offReduced one's effort
- slacken offReduce speed or effort