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
President Trump hailed the NYPD after the Midtown mass shooting as Democrats slammed lax gun laws for allowing the attacker to purchase the assault weapon used to kill four people including a police officer.
—
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
But many police departments in the state, including Austin, have faced accusations of lackluster internal investigations and lax discipline that lets officers off the hook with little accountability.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
Some have called the city lax for failing to stop shoplifters, cart scofflaws and other signs of crime and deterioration around the full-service Midway grocer, but the St. Paul Police Department reported this week that officers made more than 500 visits to the 1440 University Ave.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
In his statement, Ramsey referenced a case in which two defendants were given lax punishments after a physical altercation with two LMPD officers.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025
But many police departments in the state, including Austin, have faced accusations of lackluster internal investigations and lax discipline that lets officers off the hook with little accountability.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
Some have called the city lax for failing to stop shoplifters, cart scofflaws and other signs of crime and deterioration around the full-service Midway grocer, but the St. Paul Police Department reported this week that officers made more than 500 visits to the 1440 University Ave.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
In his statement, Ramsey referenced a case in which two defendants were given lax punishments after a physical altercation with two LMPD officers.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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The 24-year-old man was charged with involuntary manslaughter, careless discharge causing death and a separate firearm charge, officials say.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
4 Aug. 2025
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The plea deal dropped an additional charge of careless driving resulting in death from his case, court records show.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
2 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Men’s cotton dress pants are updated with relaxed fits, cropped hems and oversized silhouettes.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Aug. 2025
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Located on Norway’s southern tip, this midsize city is known for sunshine, swimming spots, and a relaxed summer atmosphere that feels more Mediterranean than Nordic, at least when the weather cooperates.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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One of the children was discovered in a neglectful condition in August, according to court records.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
15 June 2025
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Hinchliffe Stadium originally opened in 1932 and hosted the Negro Leagues’ New York Black Yankees and the American Soccer League’s New Jersey Eagles in the late 1980s before shuttering in 1996 after many neglectful years without maintenance and upkeep.—
Jeff Rueter,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Adjective
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Further discussions in London and Stockholm made enough progress for the two sides this week to announce another extension of the ceasefire, with the White House praising Beijing for being cooperative and flexible in the negotiations to date.—
Scott Kennedy,
Time,
16 Aug. 2025
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Andy Naylor Scott Parker is aiming to be flexible and adaptable with his system this season.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The top has a casual, loose fit that’ll feel comfortable to wear with shorts now and jeans later, especially if it’s paired with a cozy cardigan for added warmth once fall arrives.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Aug. 2025
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Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings reaches for a loose ball against Natasha Cloud #9 of the New York Liberty during a game against the New York Liberty at College Park Center on July 28, 2025 in Arlington, Texas.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Nearby, Splash Resort draws families and retirees alike with spacious, beachfront units and kid-friendly perks like an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie theater.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Aug. 2025
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In water, adults enjoy Aurora’s partnership with SCUBA SHACK, Anguilla’s only PADI 5-Star Dive Resort, while kids find their heaven at the massive waterpark, complete with slides and a lazy river.—
Baz Dreisinger,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The turmoil dates back to a somewhat sloppy performance at a charity show at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
4 Aug. 2025
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Learning how to practice Despite the steady energy throughout camp, Saturday’s session had its share of sloppy moments.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In the footage, the wooden wall can be seen falling forward with a thud, while two vertical cables hang behind, apparently slack.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
27 June 2025
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Flying Squirrel Trampoline Park, 3305 Corporate Ave, Weston, is an indoor entertainment park with trampolines, dodgeball court, battle beam, climbing walls, ropes course, slack line, dunk hoops, ninja course arcade games, children’s areas (soft-play playground) and the Drey Café.—
Rod Stafford Hagwood,
Sun Sentinel,
25 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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