1
2
3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lax different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lax are neglectful, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace lax?

While in some cases nearly identical to lax, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When would negligent be a good substitute for lax?

Although the words negligent and lax have much in common, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is remiss a more appropriate choice than lax?

The words remiss and lax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of lax?

While the synonyms slack and lax are close in meaning, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

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 lax Many of them had been jailed before but released because of lax juvenile crime policies in the city, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Peter D'abrosca , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025 In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity. Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025 Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025 Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women’s lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
  • The driver was cited for careless driving causing bodily injury, which is a misdemeanor traffic offense, according to state law.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 4 June 2025
  • Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 79, the alleged operator of the boat that struck the teen, has been charged with two misdemeanors for careless operation of a vessel, according to the FWC.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • In this case, the design highlights the importance of family, the desire to create a relaxed environment, and an elegance born of simplicity.
    Katia Contreras, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2025
  • And yet, the relaxed spirit that first drew backpackers and retired expats still lingers.
    Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • In one, which aired in September, 1949, the Goldbergs get a new, neglectful landlord.
    Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
  • Reactive narcissism, however, tends to form as a response to neglectful, inconsistent or abusive childhood experiences.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
Adjective
  • FSIs who provide flexible, digital-first work environments and AI-enabled productivity tools may be better positioned to attract this talent and benefit from their fresh perspectives.
    Monica Hovsepian, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • In 8th grade, students create a flexible four-year plan for high school to help guide them.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • There are questions over whether Iran’s nuclear facilities were damaged to the point of uselessness, how much loose nuclear material may now be floating around Iran, and the speed with which Iran can reconstitute its program.
    The Editors, National Review, 24 June 2025
  • The Daily Telegraph reported that the death was also similar to that of toddler Jack Mackay, who died in the same area in 2013 while playing in his crib with a loose curtain cord, which tragically wrapped around his neck.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • Filter out the lazy networkers who expect instant replies.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park boasts an 800-foot-long lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Crystal Skull is easily Spielberg’s laziest, sloppiest work — even the action sequences seem phoned-in — and it’s filled with unforgivable howlers: Shia LaBeouf’s limp attempt at being a bad boy, Cate Blanchett’s hammy villain, the goddamn fridge scene.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
  • The Cardinals took full advantage of the sloppy inning, scoring five runs on the way to clobbering the Sox 12-2 in front of 16,974 at Rate Field.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
Adjective
  • Whenever the topic of his childhood comes up, or even something random about the war, his face goes slack and a mist seems to pass over his eyes.
    Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 June 2025
  • Before centre-back Gimenez could come on, more slack marking allowed Ferran Torres a free header to make it 2-2.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!