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
The Stars fell 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime at American Airlines Center on Sunday afternoon, as careless penalties and a sloppy second period handed Dallas its fifth loss in a row — its longest losing streak of the season.
—
Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
The semi driver was cited for careless driving by the state patrol.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
In 2019, he and his wife were involved in a fatal boating accident; Linda O’Leary was eventually found not guilty of careless operation of a vessel.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
The cause of the fire was determined to be the careless use of an unattended candle, officials said.
—Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
The semi driver was cited for careless driving by the state patrol.
—Logan Smith, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026
In 2019, he and his wife were involved in a fatal boating accident; Linda O’Leary was eventually found not guilty of careless operation of a vessel.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026
The cause of the fire was determined to be the careless use of an unattended candle, officials said.
—Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for careless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for careless
Adjective
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The woman — whose home was otherwise in incredible shape, according to Hobson — couldn't lock her door and consequently felt unsafe there.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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But other incidents reflect a new, subtler antisemitism students face — including disputes over curriculum and teacher advocacy that some Jewish students and families say leaves them feeling singled out or unsafe.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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True Crime, which will help readers understand her rise from a traumatic, neglectful childhood to become an award-winning police reporter and forensic expert and eventual author.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Many of the animals were found living in neglectful and abusive conditions, officials said.—
Joseph Buczek,
CBS News,
18 Dec. 2025
Adjective
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His reckless decision to escalate the aggression and number of immigration agents is a causal factor, regardless of the outcome of an investigation into this tragic death.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Cowards habitually flee what is painful, while someone who acts bravely because of excessive confidence is simply reckless.—
Kenneth Andrew Andres Leonardo,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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White cast-iron chairs are perfectly positioned on a terrace to catch Stromboli’s volcanic smoke-show, and occasional fiery belch, in the distance over a lazy cocktail.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
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Suzy Welch, a best-selling author and professor of management practice at New York University, hit back against those who brand the young generation lazy by reminiscing on her career journey.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Those only include what the police classify as murders or non-negligent manslaughter.—
Caitlin McGlade,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Jan. 2026
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The lawsuit accused the automaker of being negligent in the design and manufacturing of the Cybertruck, alleging that the crash forces Sheehan experienced were survivable but that doors couldn’t be opened once power was lost.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Careless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/careless. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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