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 Damages Claim of $65 million The complaint pleads federal claims—asserting violations of the Fourth, Sixth and 14th Amendments—and state-law claims that include false arrest, malicious prosecution, assault and battery, defamation, and negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 After allegedly fleeing the scene without rendering aid or calling authorities, the Louisiana native was charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run and reckless operation of a vehicle. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025 Charles Ochlech filed the lawsuit Friday, stating Family Dollar was negligent and liable for the building conditions that led to his injuries. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025 The three, from Southern California, were arrested and booked into Mono County Jail on suspicion of willful discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, a felony. Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 29 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
  • In March 2024, Karen was arrested and charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
  • Nigeria deserves solidarity in its fight against terror — not careless rhetoric that fuels misunderstanding.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, the room service menu, which blended everything from soups and sandwiches to expansive plates, was a great option for breakfast in bed or a lazy lunch.
    Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The action itself may feel lazy, but the result is trouble-free, straightforward cool.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Negligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negligent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on negligent

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