Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax, neglectful, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use lax instead of negligent?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Where would neglectful be a reasonable alternative to negligent?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can remiss take the place of negligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of negligent?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, 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 negligent Sworn declarations by detainees filed in federal court and obtained by the Herald on condition of anonymity allege negligent medical care and crumbling infrastructure at GEO’s facility in Karnes, Texas. Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 26 Sep. 2025 The Carmichael couple also accuses the hospital network of violating their right to privacy, intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, and medical malpractice. Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Dynamo is suing on five counts of wrongful death; loss of consortium; negligence; negligent hiring, retention, training and supervision; and gross negligence. Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025 The lawsuit alleged the flight crew was negligent by not following medical emergency protocols when the passenger first showed stroke symptoms. Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for negligent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligent
Adjective
  • In June 2024, a U.S. Senate Finance Committee released a report that exposed the abusive and neglectful practices of youth residential treatment facilities like the fictional Tall Pines Academy.
    Erin McMullen, Time, 25 Sep. 2025
  • This film would have brought the Harlem Renaissance and its luminaries to far greater prominence, during an era that was often neglectful of that movement’s heroes—and of new Black artists, too, as Greaves himself experienced.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But Thomas has been lazy all year and lost a catch Sunday being careless with his feet on what should have been an easy completion on the sideline, unable to get a second foot down with a lot of room.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The subsequent uncertainty and introspection are exacerbated during a pre-festival press conference, which becomes a flashpoint when the cast and crew come under fire for an allegedly careless adaptation.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Having a big back refers to someone who's physically big, or who draws gentle teasing for hogging food or being lazy.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The best way to relax on a long flight or during a lazy Sunday, in my opinion, is in loungewear.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Negligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negligent. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on negligent

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