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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of careless
The Honda driver was cited for careless driving.
—
Nick Lentz, CBS News, 17 May 2026
After an almost year-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office charged Pino with three misdemeanor counts of careless boating resulting in death.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Dahlin earned another interference penalty later, and Zucker’s roughing penalty was careless.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 13 May 2026
The line is crossed when content becomes synthetic, repetitive or careless.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Nick Lentz, CBS News, 17 May 2026
After an almost year-long investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office charged Pino with three misdemeanor counts of careless boating resulting in death.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Dahlin earned another interference penalty later, and Zucker’s roughing penalty was careless.
—Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 13 May 2026
The line is crossed when content becomes synthetic, repetitive or careless.
—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
-
Recent heavy rain has also shown weak spots in Atlanta's road infrastructure as major sections of the Atlanta Connector flooded during rush hour traffic, and even forced the Waymo driverless car service to suspend operations as road conditions became too unsafe.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
-
The food manager and food handler certificates had expired, some beans were stored at an unsafe temperature and the can opener was dirty.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
To do otherwise is neglectful and selfish.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
8 May 2026
-
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
-
Hal had taken risks Kate thought were reckless.—
Debora Cahn,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
Many savings and loans, retail banks created by quirks in banking law decades earlier, made reckless investments when the Fed’s high interest rates in the early 1980s crushed their traditional business.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Adjective
-
Inevitability can make companies lazy, investors less disciplined and entire industries mistake hype for adoption.—
Hebron Sher,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
This is an off-duty look perfect for meeting up with friends, especially on lazy mornings.—
Kelsey Stiegman,
Glamour,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
Om Grown is also accused of negligent hiring and supervision.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2026
-
Benedetto was released from the hospital and charged with several offenses including OUI liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and driving the wrong way on a state highway.—
Aaron Parseghian,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
