Synonyms for slow help you describe low speed or delayed progress in a more exact way. Sometimes you mean something moves with little speed. Other times you mean an action takes a long time, or growth happens gradually. Using slow again and again can make your writing feel repeated. Learning other words for slow lets you show different shades of low speed with better tone. In this article, you will learn what slow means, how it is used, and many slow synonyms grouped by meaning, strength, and context.
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What Does Slow Mean In English?
Slow means moving or happening with low speed. A slow car travels at a small pace. A slow learner takes more time to understand ideas. Slow can also describe events or changes that happen gradually, like slow growth or slow progress. The main idea is that something takes more time than normal or moves at a lower pace.
How Slow Is Used In Daily English
In daily English, slow is used for movement, time, learning, and change. People say, “He walks slow,” to talk about speed. They also say, “Business is slow,” meaning progress is not fast. Slow can describe people, like a slow worker, or situations, like a slow day. Because slow is common, synonyms help you show the exact kind of low speed, such as “gradual” for change or “sluggish” for tired movement.
Common Slow Synonyms With Meanings
Below are common slow synonyms with easy meanings. Each word is close to slow, but fits slightly different situations.
- Slow: Not fast in speed or time
- Sluggish: Slow because of tiredness or low energy
- Gradual: Slow because it happens step by step
- Steady: Slow but regular and consistent
- Leisurely: Slow and relaxed without hurry
- Unhurried: Slow in a calm, patient way
- Lazy: Slow with little energy or effort
- Plodding: Slow and heavy in movement
- Crawl: Move extremely slowly
- Lagging: Slow because it falls behind
- Delayed: Slow because something is late
- Prolonged: Slow because it lasts longer than expected
- Measured: Slow and controlled
- Glacial: Extremely slow, almost frozen in speed
Types Of Slow Synonyms
Slow synonyms fall into types based on what kind of low speed you mean. Knowing the type helps you choose the best word.
Slow Action Words
These describe doing something with delay or low pace.
- Unhurried
- Leisurely
- Measured
- Delayed
- Prolonged
Slow Movement Words
These describe low physical speed.
- Sluggish
- Plodding
- Crawl
- Slow
- Lagging
Slow Change Words
These describe growth or progress happening step by step.
- Gradual
- Steady
- Slow
- Prolonged
- Measured
Slow Feeling Or Mood Words
These describe a calm, low-energy pace.
- Leisurely
- Unhurried
- Relaxed
- Lazy
- Easygoing
Slow Synonyms By Strength
Some slow synonyms show mild low speed, while others show extreme slowness. Pick a word that matches the level.
Slightly Slow Synonyms
These fit speed that is below normal but still moving.
- Gradual
- Steady
- Unhurried
- Leisurely
- Measured
Very Slow Synonyms
These fit noticeable low speed or delay.
- Sluggish
- Plodding
- Lagging
- Delayed
- Drawn-Out
Extremely Slow Synonyms
These fit the lowest level of speed.
- Crawl
- Glacial
- Barely Moving
- Painfully Slow
- At A Snail’s Pace
Slow Synonyms In Different Contexts
Low speed shows up in different situations. Choosing a synonym that matches context makes your meaning sharper.
Slow Work Or Tasks
These words fit work that takes longer than expected.
- Delayed
- Prolonged
- Steady
- Plodding
- Slow
Slow Travel Or Movement
These words fit low speed in walking, driving, or motion.
- Sluggish
- Leisurely
- Crawl
- Plodding
- Lagging
Slow Learning Or Thinking
These words fit mental speed.
- Slow Learner
- Gradual
- Steady
- Struggling
- Taking Time
Slow Growth Or Progress
These words fit change that happens step by step.
- Gradual
- Steady
- Slow
- Prolonged
- Measured
Slow Replies Or Services
These words fit delayed responses or waiting.
- Delayed
- Lagging
- Unhurried
- Slow
- Prolonged
Slow Vs Similar Words
Some words are close to slow but not the same. Knowing the difference helps you avoid mistakes.
Slow Vs Sluggish
Slow is general low speed. Sluggish suggests weakness, tiredness, or low energy. A person can be slow by choice, but sluggish often means they are moving slowly because they feel drained.
Slow Vs Gradual
Slow is broad and can describe any low speed. Gradual is about something happening step by step over time, usually change or progress. Gradual does not describe a person’s walking speed.
Slow Vs Steady
Steady means consistent and regular, often not changing speed. Something can be steady without being very slow. Slow only means low speed, not necessarily consistent speed.
Slow Vs Leisurely
Leisurely means slow in a relaxed, comfortable way. It often suggests no hurry or pressure. Slow can be relaxed too, but it can also mean delayed or unwanted low speed.
Slow Vs Delayed
Delayed means slow because something is late or held back. Slow does not always mean late, only low speed. A train can be slow in motion, but delayed in timing.
Exact And Near Slow Synonyms
Some words match slow closely. Others are near synonyms that depend on context.
Exact Synonyms Of Slow
These can replace slow in many cases.
- Sluggish
- Gradual
- Leisurely
- Unhurried
- Plodding
Near Synonyms Of Slow
These are close, but add extra meaning.
- Steady
- Delayed
- Lagging
- Prolonged
- Measured
How To Choose The Right Slow Synonym
Start by thinking about what kind of slowness you mean. If something moves with low energy, sluggish or plodding fits well. When change happens step by step, gradual or steady is better. If the pace feels calm and relaxed, use leisurely or unhurried. When slowness is caused by lateness, delayed or lagging works best. Matching the synonym to the reason makes your English sound natural.
FAQs About Slow Synonyms
Not always. Some describe low energy, some describe step-by-step change, and some describe lateness.
Glacial or crawl is stronger because it shows extreme slowness.
They are close, but gradual is mainly for change over time, not movement speed.
Yes. Slow can describe learning, working, or moving at a low pace.
Gradual, steady, or sluggish often fits well depending on context.
Conclusion
Slow is a useful word, but it is broad. Learning synonyms for slow helps you describe low speed and delay more clearly. Some words describe calm slowness like leisurely or unhurried. Others describe heavy low speed like sluggish or plodding. Words like gradual and steady fit slow change or progress. When you choose a synonym that matches the kind of slowness you mean, your sentences sound smoother and more precise.
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