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 next

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want

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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

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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

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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 With lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding, accidents occur frequently. —

ABC News, 30 Mar. 2026 Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has made millions of dollars investing in offshore private equity funds connected to islands known for lax tax policies, according to tax returns posted Thursday. —

Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026 Foley’s team could also find the two Democratic constitutional officers have been guilty of lax leadership or even trying to cover up fraud. —

Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 28 Mar. 2026 And many Democrats see it as an effort to curb more liberal prosecutors who have embraced restorative justice policies, including steering nonviolent offenders away from prison sentences or taking more lax approaches to drug offenses. —

Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

An elevated matching set There’s a fine line between comfortable and careless.

— Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
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, 16 Apr. 2026

Definition of careless

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lawyers

lax

laxity

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“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of lax

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