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
Relevance
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
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
Many of them had been jailed before but released because of lax juvenile crime policies in the city, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
—
Peter D'abrosca , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025
In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.
—Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women’s lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Peter D'abrosca , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025
In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.
—Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women’s lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
-
The driver was cited for careless driving causing bodily injury, which is a misdemeanor traffic offense, according to state law.—
Jessica Alvarado Gamez,
Denver Post,
4 June 2025
-
Carlos Guillermo Alonso, 79, the alleged operator of the boat that struck the teen, has been charged with two misdemeanors for careless operation of a vessel, according to the FWC.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
3 June 2025
Adjective
-
In this case, the design highlights the importance of family, the desire to create a relaxed environment, and an elegance born of simplicity.—
Katia Contreras,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2025
-
And yet, the relaxed spirit that first drew backpackers and retired expats still lingers.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
In one, which aired in September, 1949, the Goldbergs get a new, neglectful landlord.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
9 June 2025
-
Reactive narcissism, however, tends to form as a response to neglectful, inconsistent or abusive childhood experiences.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Adjective
-
FSIs who provide flexible, digital-first work environments and AI-enabled productivity tools may be better positioned to attract this talent and benefit from their fresh perspectives.—
Monica Hovsepian,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
In 8th grade, students create a flexible four-year plan for high school to help guide them.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
There are questions over whether Iran’s nuclear facilities were damaged to the point of uselessness, how much loose nuclear material may now be floating around Iran, and the speed with which Iran can reconstitute its program.—
The Editors,
National Review,
24 June 2025
-
The Daily Telegraph reported that the death was also similar to that of toddler Jack Mackay, who died in the same area in 2013 while playing in his crib with a loose curtain cord, which tragically wrapped around his neck.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
People.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
-
Filter out the lazy networkers who expect instant replies.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
-
Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park boasts an 800-foot-long lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
Crystal Skull is easily Spielberg’s laziest, sloppiest work — even the action sequences seem phoned-in — and it’s filled with unforgivable howlers: Shia LaBeouf’s limp attempt at being a bad boy, Cate Blanchett’s hammy villain, the goddamn fridge scene.—
Tim Grierson,
Vulture,
20 June 2025
-
The Cardinals took full advantage of the sloppy inning, scoring five runs on the way to clobbering the Sox 12-2 in front of 16,974 at Rate Field.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
Adjective
-
Whenever the topic of his childhood comes up, or even something random about the war, his face goes slack and a mist seems to pass over his eyes.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share