1
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
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lax
But in other parts of the world where incomes are lower, pollution could rise by 50 percent or more due to lax regulations and slower vehicle replacement.
—
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
Some of this likely comes down to the country’s relatively lax laws.
—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2026
The lax structure of Cum Town was beginning to take its toll.
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Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2026
One reason the economic damage was so severe, Zwick says, was lax lending standards that preceded the crash.
—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lax
Jonathan M. Gitlin,
ArsTechnica,
30 June 2026
Some of this likely comes down to the country’s relatively lax laws.
—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
29 June 2026
The lax structure of Cum Town was beginning to take its toll.
—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2026
One reason the economic damage was so severe, Zwick says, was lax lending standards that preceded the crash.
—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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Still, multitasking can lead to careless errors, irritability or burnout, so take it easy.
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Sell the two at much the same price, and careful investors end up holding careless risk.
Adjective
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The relaxed fit offers plenty of comfort while the print keeps things visually interesting.
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Her hosting playbook still sets the tone, even as a new generation reshapes it for a more relaxed era.
Adjective
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Hence shirt jackets and safari jackets in linen and leather came to the fore, as did denim Bermudas, linen polos and lots of lifestyle knits amid its more formal, full-canvas tailoring — styled with a loosened tie.
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For now, though, Detroit’s automakers are leaning into the lucre that comes from selling millions of fossil-fuel vehicles in a rare moment of loosened regulation.
Adjective
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Parents could be accused of neglectful supervision if an underage child is left at home unattended.
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While not every nursing home fosters a neglectful or abusive environment, these conditions can thrive at facilities that are understaffed.
Adjective
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Most importantly, organizations need to stay flexible themselves.
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The four-piece set includes two semi-transparent and two transparent shades made from a lightweight, flexible mesh material that utilizes static energy to cling to windows without the need for adhesives or suction cups.
Adjective
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This pair is loose through the hips and thighs, with a not-too-wide leg that feels timeless.
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Potential profits have encouraged traffickers to ship massive amounts of illicit drugs to both countries, often across the Pacific Ocean from South America via the Pacific Islands, a loose cluster of thousands of islands and atolls.
Adjective
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And just like Alito, some members of my family have forgotten our history and support Trump or favor some of his immigration policies, dismissing new arrivals as criminals or lazy.
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Today, the park operates more than 40 family-friendly water attractions including thrilling slides, casual pools and a lazy river.
Adjective
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Winning like a Feeney Due to some sloppy defensive errors from the silver-haired infield, the Feeneys allowed more runs in the top of the seventh.
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The Walpole, Massachusetts native, making his second career start at Fenway Park in front of family and friends, surrendered a two-run, go-ahead homer to ex-Yankees prospect Caleb Durbin in the fifth inning of what was a sloppy, 6-3, loss for the Bombers.
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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