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Dictionary.com
Definitions

slow

[sloh] / sloʊ /
ADJECTIVE
unhurried, lazy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
easy gradual heavy lackadaisical leisurely lethargic moderate passive quiet reluctant sluggish stagnant
STRONG
crawling creeping dawdling delaying deliberate disinclined idle lagging loitering measured plodding postponing procrastinating slack
WEAK
apathetic bit-by-bit dilatory dreamy drowsy imperceptible inactive indolent inert laggard leaden listless negligent phlegmatic ponderous remiss sleepy slothful slow-moving snaillike supine tardy torpid tortoiselike
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active complex complicated energetic enthusiastic intricate lively moving
WEAK
busy cognizant fast hurried intelligent on cue on time quick rapid ready smart waiting
ADJECTIVE
behind, late
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dull gradual low moderate sluggish stagnant stiff tame tedious time-consuming
STRONG
delayed detained down hindered impeded lingering off prolonged protracted reduced slack
WEAK
backward behindhand belated conservative dead dilatory draggy inactive long-delayed long-drawn-out overdue sleepy tardy uneventful unproductive unprogressive unpunctual
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active bright exciting interesting lively violent wild
WEAK
busy cognizant hurried intelligent on cue on time quick rapid ready smart waiting
ADJECTIVE
unintelligent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
dull dumb limited simple stupid
STRONG
dim
WEAK
backward dense dimwitted dunce imbecile moronic obtuse slow on the uptake thick unresponsive
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright intelligent sharp smart
WEAK
active cognizant on cue on time quick rapid ready waiting
VERB
delay, restrict
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curb curtail decelerate decrease diminish hinder impede lag lessen moderate reduce relax retard slacken stall temper
STRONG
brake check choke detain loiter mire postpone procrastinate qualify quiet reef regulate stunt
WEAK
anchor it back-water bog down cut back cut down ease off ease up embog hit the brakes hold back hold up keep waiting let down flaps lose speed lose steam reduce speed rein in set back wind down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance agitate aid allow assist develop encourage enlarge excite expand extend facilitate forward further grow help increase lengthen prolong push raise strengthen
STRONG
accelerate do expedite liberate release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This limits overall stem growth, meaning that light not only supports plant development but can also slow it under certain conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

"Maybe we don't want to talk about it," he added, "because it may slow down the enthusiasm for the technology."

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Telemundo’s rise was a slow build, coming nearly a quarter-century after NBC bought the network for nearly $2 billion.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

Given France's slow start against Italy, Bemand's side will take confidence from Allianz Stadium that they can beat one of the big two in this year's championship.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

But they were slow, their pudgy human legs no match for the rushing current.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman