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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.

At the rate things are heating up on Earth, threatening to fry us alive sooner than later, this scheme could supposedly reverse or slow the damage we’ve done.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Firms have been slow to hire but reluctant to fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

The new-money inflows could slow in the current quarter.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Looking at factors outside of the jobs report, it’s apparent that things will be sluggish, and are likely to slow even further.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

It was like I was seeing everything in slow motion.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.