g, slack,
delaying, drowsy, inactive, moderate, sluggish,
deliberate, dull, inert, procrastinating, tardy.

_Slow_ signifies moving through a relatively short distance, or with a
relatively small number of motions in a given time; _slow_ also applies
to that which is a relatively long while in beginning or accomplishing
something; a watch or a clock is said to be _slow_ when its indications
are behind those of the standard time. _Tardy_ is applied to that which
is behind the proper or desired time, especially in doing a work or
arriving at a place. _Deliberate_ and _dilatory_ are used of persons,
tho the latter may be used also of things, as of a stream; a person is
_deliberate_ who takes a noticeably long time to consider and decide
before acting or who acts or speaks as if he were deliberating at every
point; a person is _dilatory_ who lays aside, or puts off as long as
possible, necessary or required action; both words may be applied either
to undertaking or to doing. _Gradual_ (L. _gradus_, a step) signifies
advancing by steps, and refers to _slow_ but regular and sure
progression. _Slack_ refers to action that seems to indicate a lack of
tension, as of muscle or of will, _sluggish_ to action that seems as if
reluctant to advance.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for NIMBLE.

* * * * *

SNEER.

Synonyms:

fling, gibe, jeer, mock, scoff, taunt.

A _sneer_ may be simply a contemptuous facial contortion, or it may be
some brief satirical utterance that throws a contemptuous side-light on
what it attacks without attempting to prove or disprove; a depreciatory
implication may be given in a _sneer_ such as could only be answered by
elaborate argument or proof, which would seem to give the attack undue
importance:

Who can refute a _sneer_?

PALEY _Moral Philosophy_ bk. v, ch. ix.

A _fling_ is careless and commonly pettish; a _taunt_ is intentionally
insulting and provoking; the _sneer_ is supercilious; the _taunt_ is
defiant. The _jeer_ and _gibe_ are uttered; the _gibe_ is bitter, and
often sly or covert; the _jeer_ is rude and open. A _scoff_ may be in
act or word, and is commonly directed against that which claims honor,
reverence, or worship. Compare BANTER.

Preposition:

Only an essentially vicious mind is capable of a sneer _at_ virtue.

* * * * *

SOCIALISM.