1
as in unsafe
not paying or showing close attention especially for the purpose of avoiding trouble
a careless reporter who often doesn't get his facts straight a careless mistake that caused the plane to crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in neglectful
failing to give proper care and attention
a careless effort that made an unnecessary mess
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of careless
Last fall, prosecutors dropped the three careless boating charges and charged Pino with felony vessel homicide, which carries the maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
—
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Some got a good laugh, some thought little of the ordeal, while others doubled down and insulted the woman for being careless.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
For a company that relies so heavily on ad revenue, letting these threats slip through isn’t just careless.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Things get increasingly silly in a way not so much light-hearted as careless, with credibility taking a distant second place in priority to action and banter that themselves aren’t particularly inspired.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careless
Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Some got a good laugh, some thought little of the ordeal, while others doubled down and insulted the woman for being careless.
—Rachel Raposas, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
For a company that relies so heavily on ad revenue, letting these threats slip through isn’t just careless.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Things get increasingly silly in a way not so much light-hearted as careless, with credibility taking a distant second place in priority to action and banter that themselves aren’t particularly inspired.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
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Counterfeit and unsafe products that have reached U.S. consumers include bicycles, bike helmets and hoverboards, according to Wallach.—
Bill Chappell,
NPR,
28 Aug. 2025
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The company has also been in the crosshairs of U.S. regulators for years, along with myriad allegations from its employees over poor or unsafe working conditions.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Named after the minimalist philosopher who apparently lived in a jar in Athens, and who also lent his name to Diogenes syndrome, a disorder of neglectful hoarding.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
21 Aug. 2025
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Simone manages to evade her sister’s attempts to drag her home to Buffalo to care for their neglectful, aging father for most of the premiere.—
Megan Vick,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Olivia Wilkins, 24, was charged with aggravated reckless conduct, criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon, driving to endanger, hindering apprehension, obstructing government administration and failure to stop for an officer, the Department of Homeland Security said.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Aug. 2025
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This novel centers on the great sorcerer Ged, who, as a power-hungry, reckless youngster, tampered with deep secrets and cast a shadow over the world.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Many students embraced the new technology to enable procrastination and lazy homework habits, but also, sometimes, to gain better understanding of readings.—
Joelle Renstrom
August 28,
Literary Hub,
28 Aug. 2025
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Wellness programming includes sunrise yoga and sound healing ceremonies; more informally, guests can also enjoy the pristine seaside location and lazy afternoons by the plunge pool.—
Michaela Trimble,
Vogue,
27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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As the leader of an entire nation, that is her obligation; there’s a fair argument to be had that prioritizing anything else, including the life of her husband, would be criminally negligent.—
Jack King,
Vulture,
21 Aug. 2025
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The lawsuit states Charles demonstrated negligent and reckless behavior that day, including hitting the other cars, failing to report the first accident, and missing the turn.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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