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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 At Desert View, staff were lax in managing infectious diseases, the report said, while at Mesa Verde, detainees experienced prolonged wait times for critical off-site care. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025 President Donald Trump has blamed the violence and gang growth on lax immigration policies. Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2025 View Comments And Renteria said the consequences of lax data security by the government could be significant. Clare Duffy, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025 The risks of cutting corners — whether through lax vetting, poor oversight, or underestimating jurisdictional challenges — can far outweigh the financial savings. Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
  • Although Hill initially received two tickets for careless driving and not wearing a seat belt, they were dismissed after the officer who cited him didn’t show up to the Miami-Dade traffic hearing.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Of those fires, 90% were caused by careless human activity, the agency said.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • This soft, versatile shade is popping up everywhere, from my Instagram feed to my go-to retailers, offering the relaxed vibe of denim without the weight.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025
  • The set features a relaxed, boxy three-quarter sleeve, button-down top and mid-rise shorts.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil.
    Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • Speaking of the Senate: That chamber on Monday fully passed Senate Bill 20, which seeks to crack down on chronically neglectful landlords by allowing government authorities to temporarily take control of run-down apartment buildings.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The rules around federal civil proceedings are slightly more flexible, allowing for recording in some instances at the discretion of the judge.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 13 May 2025
  • Want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling?
    Jeannie Kim, CNBC, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Her blonde hair was styled in loose waves that framed the face.
    WWD Staff, Footwear News, 4 May 2025
  • Backfill the hole with loose, loamy soil and water well.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • About The Free Admission Offer The two water parks, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park are filled with rides, a lazy river, a wave pool, multiple dining options, and more.
    Megan duBois, Southern Living, 12 May 2025
  • According to plans that seem about as fluid as a lazy river, this is the last year of the race at Pimlico, as it is currently constructed … or deconstructed.
    John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Sinner won a bizarre semifinal in his first tournament back from a three-month doping ban, while Alcaraz triumphed in a sloppy duel.
    Sam Settleman, New York Times, 17 May 2025
  • State police said the issue was overblown as an independent report for Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration stated that the controversy was largely a problem of sloppy record-keeping, mistakes, and lack of training — and not intentional misconduct.
    Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2025
Adjective
  • Before centre-back Gimenez could come on, more slack marking allowed Ferran Torres a free header to make it 2-2.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • My actual dining companion, dressed in her nonprofit workwear, was slack jawed at the precision of the seasoning.
    Caroline Hatchett, Robb Report, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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