lax

adjective

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\ ˈlaks

Definition of lax

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a of the bowels : loose, open

b : having loose bowels

2 : deficient in firmness : not stringent lax control a lax foreman security has been lax

3a : not tense, firm, or rigid : slack a lax rope

b : having an open or loose texture a lax soil

c : having the constituents spread apart a lax flower cluster

4 : articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)

lax

noun

Definition of lax (Entry 2 of 2)

: lacrosse

Other Words from lax Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about lax

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Other Words from lax

Adjective

laxation \ lak-ˈsā-shən

\ noun

laxly \ ˈlaks-lē

\ adverb

laxness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for lax

Adjective

negligent, neglectful, lax, slack, remiss mean culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness. negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. negligent about writing a note of thanks neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. a society callously neglectful of the poor lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. a reporter lax about accurate quotation slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. slack workmanship remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. had been remiss in their familial duties

Examples of lax in a Sentence

Adjective The university has been lax about enforcing these rules. lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Maluma then invited fans via Instagram to join him a few days later in Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, where COVID-19 restrictions are more lax and small events are allowed. — Rosy Cordero, EW.com, "How Maluma's love of Bob Marley led him to Jamaica (and inspired his EP #7DJ)," 7 Feb. 2021 Their report underscored the federal government’s persistently lax approach to overseeing the safety of baby food, some experts said, despite clear risks to infants and toddlers. — Roni Caryn Rabin, BostonGlobe.com, "Some baby food may contain toxic metals, US reports," 4 Feb. 2021 Many of those projects were in developing countries where environmental regulations are lax or nonexistent. — Scott Waldman, Scientific American, "Five Things in Biden’s Climate Day Orders That Flew Under the Radar," 28 Jan. 2021 Such lax ball security could undo the Bucs against the Chiefs. — Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, "‘See his ass on Sunday’: Chiefs defense ready for Buccaneers QB Tom Brady in Super Bowl 55," 25 Jan. 2021 The Salem Reporter documented several examples of lax screening, enabling people to obtain the vaccine. — oregonlive, "Salem mass vaccine clinic off to inconsistent start as state’s largest clinic set to open in Portland," 20 Jan. 2021 Psaki, who double-masked before taking them off to answer questions, threw subtle shade at the notably lax mask-wearing habits of Trump and many in his administration. — David Bauder, Star Tribune, "Smooth Psaki shows new tone in first Biden press briefing," 20 Jan. 2021 Brazil on Monday kicked off its nationwide coronavirus vaccination campaign, providing a glimmer of hope in a nation where political infighting, a strained health care system and lax precautions have given the virus free rein. — New York Times, "Bolsonaro Talked Vaccines Down. Now Brazil has Too Few Doses.," 18 Jan. 2021 But health officials warned that the progress made by California in the recent weeks can be reversed if residents become more lax with distancing and gathering precautions. — Michael Williams, SFChronicle.com, "Bay Area counties remain in most restrictive ‘purple’ tier after reopening," 26 Jan. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.