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
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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
More likely the difference was in the turnover column – 15 for the Lakers, which led to 18 Houston points, including several errors that seemed careless and one sequence early in the fourth quarter at the offensive end in which the ball was flying all over the place.
—
Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
But the Pistons were sloppy with the ball and careless overall in a 94-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, falling behind 3-1 in their first-round Eastern Conference series.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
This was reckless and careless.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026
Bain was cited for careless driving at the time, but the charge was later dropped before Betts’ death.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
But the Pistons were sloppy with the ball and careless overall in a 94-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, falling behind 3-1 in their first-round Eastern Conference series.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
This was reckless and careless.
—Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2026
Bain was cited for careless driving at the time, but the charge was later dropped before Betts’ death.
—Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
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Thus, young riders may attempt unsafe stunts or travel at unsafe speeds.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2026
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City officials have stressed the random attack on the popular trail doesn’t mean the trail is unsafe.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
To do otherwise is neglectful and selfish.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
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Above a certain socioeconomic threshold, not spending an extra $1,000 a year or more in the hopes of doing so could seem neglectful.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
Adjective
-
America’s reckless military adventure continues.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
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Tottenham began to tire and Tel was ultimately punished for his reckless boot in his own box.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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Make Waves Let your cares float away with lazy beach days, shimmering pools, and the family-favorite Captiva Landing, which takes fun to new heights with five acres of activity.—
South Seas,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
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The water park is open on weekends in May and features exciting water rides, a relaxing lazy river, and wave pool.—
Natassia Paloma,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
The suit alleges that Good Samaritan and its doctors were negligent in their treatment of Cantrell.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
12 May 2026
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Victor Arias, the suspect in an apartment building fire in New York City that took the lives of three individuals, including a People en Español editor, has been charged with three counts of criminally negligent homicide.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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