LAX Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lax

adjective

ˈlaks

Definition of lax

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

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

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

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 Splitter doesn’t plan to take a lax approach with his youngest players. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026 There were issues with the ship’s design and engineering, particularly with the thrusters, but the report concluded that the biggest cause was lax NASA oversight of Boeing, a lack of data transparency with vital personnel and poor decision-making. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 28 Sep. 2026 During the Biden administration, lax enforcement of standards for ACA premium subsidies turned them into magnets for fraudsters, with potentially 6 million people improperly signed up. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026 Compared to Cannes, Venice is more relaxed—its screening schedule not so densely packed, its staff not quite as snooty, its dress codes more lax. — Richard Lawson, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond can be careless with the football, throwing three interceptions against Sam Houston last weekend and posting five picks in four games.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Lucky’s denim heritage and lived-in Americana aesthetic and Madhappy’s optimistic ideology and relaxed silhouettes.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
The likes of Bottega Veneta, The Row, and Prada have modernised the pencil skirt for 2026, moving away from rigid, tight fits and presenting a more relaxed silhouette that is in keeping with the recent soft power styling mood.

— Emma Spedding, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of relaxed

Adjective

Use a non-abrasive scrubbing sponge or a microfiber cloth to remove all the loosened debris.

— Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 19 Sep. 2026
The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of loosened

Adjective

Still, Duncan on Friday argued that the move is a mistake that empowers neglectful landlords and fails tenants.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026
Played by Rhea Perlman alongside her real-life husband Danny DeVito, the beauty and bingo-obsessed matriarch was pretty neglectful.

— Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of neglectful

Adjective

With shifting tariff rules and trade policies, merchants need to stay flexible to handle sudden political and financial changes.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
To surmount the issue, Apple routed a flexible graphite pipe through the hinge itself to transfer heat between the two halves, thereby increasing the surface area available for heat dissipation.

— Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Mara’s Monse top was paired with low-rise black trousers and a coordinated, long-sleeve loose jacket.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Usually, loose electrical equipment from the wiring sets the gym ablaze and electrocutes various characters; sometimes just students, often the school’s principal.

— Alex Zalben, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of loose

Adjective

Composed of 160 photographs taken across the past seven decades by 118 photographers, the show suggests the jobs, romances, family life, and lazy afternoons that could have been his.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
However, GitHub’s measures don’t require users to revoke any credentials left exposed in a repo, and some developers continue hard-coding, even though it’s considered both lazy development and exceptionally poor security.

— Alex Colon, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of lazy

Adjective

Two innings later, the Dodgers took the lead again, rewarded for hard contact as the Brewers’ defense showed its first signs of sloppy play.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
The pair seemed prepared and methodical—not sloppy carousers but people with a plan.

— Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of sloppy

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lawyers

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laxity

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“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of lax

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