slower

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 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 fast 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 busy cognizant fast hurried on cue on time quick rapid ready waiting

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.

EY-Parthenon chief economist Gregory Daco added: "Household budgets are coming under mounting pressure from rising inflation and a softer income backdrop, while slower wage and job growth continue to weigh on purchasing power."

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

The Commerce Department reported the personal-consumption expenditures price index climbed 0.4% in April, a slower pace than March.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

There’s a “frequent imbalance between the speed of technological growth and the slower development of awareness, norms, safeguards and institutions capable of governing its effects,” the pope writes.

From Slate • May 28, 2026

These evolutionary patterns are seen in many island species around the world and often include larger body size, longer lifespans, slower reproduction, and in birds, reduced flight ability.

From Science Daily • May 28, 2026

And every day I’d be slower and slower coming back to myself after school was finished.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan