Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can lax be used instead of remiss?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When is it sensible to use neglectful instead of remiss?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

Where would negligent be a reasonable alternative to remiss?

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

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is slack a more appropriate choice than remiss?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. 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 remiss And one of the most exciting corners of the city, particularly for food lovers, is Summerhill, an area rich in history undergoing a renaissance that visitors would be remiss to overlook. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 16 May 2025 Any list of the best restaurants in Tampa would be remiss not to mention local, independent institutions like Bern’s Steak House, Mise en Place, Malio’s Prime Steakhouse, Carmine’s, Donatello, La Teresita, and Bella’s Italian Café, to name a few. Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 May 2025 The digestible nature of her content is not to be remiss. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025 The right would be remiss to completely disregard our current moment's traveling progressive-palooza—and its attendees—even this early. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss
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
  • 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
  • Giant tanks of lazy swimmers sit sandwiched between fields of cows and ponds of striped bass, carefully tended by three generations of the Evans family.
    Kylie Williams, Miami Herald, 29 June 2025
  • The water park has something for everyone—from high-speed slides and a wave pool to a relaxing lazy river and kid-only water slides.
    Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Imagine the lawsuit: negligent security, wrongful death attempt, maybe even a defamation angle against Tom Buchanan.
    Aron Solomon June 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025
  • The deckhand as well as the ship's skipper and chief engineer are all reportedly under investigation for possible multiple manslaughter and negligent shipwreck charges, but have not yet been formally accused of any crime.
    David Chiu, People.com, 22 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remiss. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remiss

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