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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 Patricia Hyde, acting ICE field director for the Boston region, told Fox News that dangerous criminals are being released because of the city’s lax immigration policies. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2025 Large air vents hinted at Prodigy Corp’s lax security, perfect for lurking aliens. Daron James, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2025 The refrain since Trump returned to office has been that, thanks to the lax new regulatory approach, crypto enforcement is off the table. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 11 Aug. 2025 While Microsoft has been lax with in-person work, the tech industry has gotten stricter. Seattle Times, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
  • For instance, an officer or insurance adjuster might claim your lack of footwear contributed to reckless or careless driving, and the matter could even be brought up in court or during an insurance review.
    Georgea Kovanis, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
  • This Earth sign can be quite the perfectionist, preferring order and discernment over anything remotely vague and careless.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Button it up and wear it like a sweater, or layer it over a tee for a more relaxed look.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Fall’s offering includes voluminous trousers, sculptural dresses, relaxed suits, lots of knitwear and capsules for men in Motion Wool and Motion Nylon fabrics.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • Parents, even the well-meaning ones, tend to be neglectful, or also dead.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Named after the minimalist philosopher who apparently lived in a jar in Athens, and who also lent his name to Diogenes syndrome, a disorder of neglectful hoarding.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Strategies will remain flexible to adjust to changing fire behavior, terrain, and resource availability.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • By learning from nature’s most flexible swimmer, the octopus, researchers hope to overcome these challenges and make underwater machines more capable, adaptable, and sustainable.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • After struggling in the first half, running back Jerrod Wiley got loose on an untouched 69-yard touchdown run on the first play of the next drive to put Heritage back up two scores at 30-21.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Step-by-Step Cleaning Process Vacuuming Upholstered chairs should be vacuumed weekly to remove loose dust, dirt, and hair.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Forest walks, lazy lake days, midday swims, and evening bonfires are a part of your regular day.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Camels seem slow, hippos clumsy, phoenixes unstable, lions lazy.
    Francois Botha, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • According to Amazon reviews, the material is soft with just the right amount of stretch, while the fit is roomy without looking sloppy.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In that high‑tempo, but sloppy matchup, the Wildcats fell 46‑24, with Mari Adams, a top running back, contributing heavily on the ground and showing flashes of explosive play.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on lax

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