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
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
The Abington Fire Department said the fire was accidental and likely started from careless disposal of smoking materials.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
In short, think relaxed—but never careless.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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
The Abington Fire Department said the fire was accidental and likely started from careless disposal of smoking materials.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
In short, think relaxed—but never careless.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
-
The upshot is not only that Jewish Britons feel unsafe.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
1 May 2026
-
His parents’ dysfunctional relationships made for an unsafe environment at home, so the decision was made to send him to the Caribbean nation to stay with relatives.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha.—
Siddhant Adlakha,
Variety,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative.—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Feeling restless and reckless, Michael (LJ Benet) is drawn to a hard-rocking local band that is secretly a quartet of young vampires that is literally sucking the life out of the community.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The vast majority of drivers stop speeding after one or two camera violations, but a small and extremely reckless group of super speeders flagrantly endanger themselves and everyone around them.—
Mike Flynn,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But decadents only break taboos in a bloodless, symbolic way—they’re too lazy and refined for murder.—
Olivia Kan-Sperling,
Artforum,
2 May 2026
-
Baseball, which is dying all over the place, should get off its fat, lazy a--, and elect Pete Rose, even though far too late, into the Baseball Hall of Fame!—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The doctor was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, with the court ruling his involvement in Jackson's death to be criminally negligent, per The New York Times.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Unfortunately, too many people and families have already had to experience the horror of injury or death at the hands of negligent drivers, including Heastie’s own constituents in the Bronx.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 4 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
