Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglectful different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of neglectful are lax, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When can lax be used instead of neglectful?

The meanings of lax and neglectful largely overlap; however, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When might negligent be a better fit than neglectful?

While the synonyms negligent and neglectful are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

Where would remiss be a reasonable alternative to neglectful?

The words remiss and neglectful can be used in similar contexts, but remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When is it sensible to use slack instead of neglectful?

The words slack and neglectful are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 neglectful Advance reforms to address years of neglectful and apathetic policies that have led to poor health outcomes for members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2025 In fact, research shows that when a partner is perceived and controlling and neglectful, it is associated with lower relationship satisfaction. Mark Travers, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024 Clearly, some parents may be neglectful, or not engaged in the best parenting. Jason D. Seacat, Hartford Courant, 20 Dec. 2024 So many negative family cycles—such as unhealthy communication or neglectful parenting patterns—are fueled by unresolved pain or frustration over past events. Mark Travers, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for neglectful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglectful
Adjective
  • Sauter pleaded no contest to several charges, including vehicular homicide and careless operation of a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license resulting in death.
    Frank Fernandez, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • McIlroy wasted a superb opening round with two careless double bogeys leaving him seven shots behind.
    Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: A lazy person.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Other park pulls include a big mix of kiddie rides and Soak City, a 20-acre water park with thrilling slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
    Ashlea Halpern, AFAR Media, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • An arrest warrant was obtained for Lacy for negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle.
    Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Buen was convicted in February of criminally negligent homicide in the 2022 killing of Christian Glass after his first trial ended with the jury deadlocked on a murder charge.
    Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In the film, upon discovering millions in cash in a derelict stash house, trust among a team of Miami cops begins to fray.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Cut to the two men brawling in the bowels of a derelict ship in the Miami port, where Spencer has imprisoned and ultimately attempts to drown his son to evade capture.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Neglectful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglectful. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on neglectful

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