1
as in careless
failing to give proper care and attention
lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in relaxed
not bound by rigid standards
the guidelines for the essay contest were fairly lax, permitting a wide variety of topics
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in loosened
not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched
the sheet on the foresail was lax, and so the sail was flapping wildly in the stiff wind
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lax
Taken together — lax credit standards resurfacing, leveraged firms falling out of favor, speculative flows unmoored from fundamentals — the echoes with past turning points are fanning a spirit of discipline among a cohort of big money managers.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
On immigration, tying lax border policies to NH-1’s opioid epidemic can mobilize conservatives in areas like Belknap and Carroll counties, where Republicans enjoy strong support.
—Kristin Tate, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
My group may have become lax over the years with carrying first aid, extra clothing, and planning for the worst.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
The platform allows for the creation of private chat groups on nearly any topic, and has long faced criticism over lax moderation.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Dave Smith, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
On immigration, tying lax border policies to NH-1’s opioid epidemic can mobilize conservatives in areas like Belknap and Carroll counties, where Republicans enjoy strong support.
—Kristin Tate, Boston Herald, 15 Oct. 2025
My group may have become lax over the years with carrying first aid, extra clothing, and planning for the worst.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 6 Oct. 2025
The platform allows for the creation of private chat groups on nearly any topic, and has long faced criticism over lax moderation.
—Kevin Collier, NBC news, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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Additional charges included negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
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Young Christoph wrote in the knowledge that Bonhoeffer’s correspondence was being monitored and that a careless word could have fatal consequences.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Dressed up with sleek pencil skirts or down with relaxed jeans, the versatile layer has been spotted on A-listers like Kate Middleton, Oprah Winfrey, Gwyneth Paltrow, Keri Russell, and more.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
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The relaxed, oversized fit makes for a cozy feel.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One of the tale’s bitterest ironies is that Victor will become a more demanding, more neglectful, and vastly more destructive father figure than Leopold ever was.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
28 Oct. 2025
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After sharing his story online, commenters expressed sympathy for the boy’s situation, calling his father’s behavior selfish and neglectful.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The sneakers are designed with a lightweight EVA midsole for flexible support and a rubber outsole that boosts durability.—
Toni Sutton,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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If your schedule is flexible, look at departures on weekdays, especially early and mid-week.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The loose fit is perfect for layering, too, and packs down surprisingly well.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Oct. 2025
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That said, shoppers note that the sweater is tight-fitting and recommend sizing up for a looser fit, similar to Paltrow’s knit.—
Melony Forcier,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Endorsing lazy rightwing talking points about Biden and border security, and nations not existing without borders?—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
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On an underneath throw to Zach Ertz from Commanders backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, Bland cut off the lazy throw and returned it 68 yards for his sixth career interception return for a touchdown.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Skin-tight is out, baggy is in, and these buttery-soft pieces prove that comfort doesn’t have to equal sloppy.—
Katie Ann Lehman,
StyleCaster,
24 Oct. 2025
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These records aren’t sloppy mistakes—they’re the default behavior of most agentic AI systems.—
Keivan Navaie,
IEEE Spectrum,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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