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.

The agency says that’s to root out fraud, but critics say all it does is unnecessarily slow down a system that already vets applicants vigorously.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026

"I think we have had a slow build that is leading to a frothy frenzy," says Larry Freedman, co-chairman of the Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Practitioners have been slow to acknowledge that a fiduciary duty may extend to the Constitution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

The company is attempting to fast-track its regulatory approvals, but the pace may be too slow to keep Wall Street satisfied.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

Oteg had warned me to go slow through the Burn, to watch closely for stumps.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell

slow

Example Sentences

Related Words