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 Indeed, those leaders would be remiss not to seek AI operational efficiencies for the benefit of their shareholders. Michael Peregrine, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 There are plenty of restaurants nearby, but guests would be remiss not to take advantage of the outdoor grill and slick open-plan kitchen with a gas hob, tea station, barnyard sink, and long marble counter lined with six black bar stools. Mary Holland, Robb Report, 10 July 2025 But, at this point, Edelman believes that advisers who value diversification as a strategy in their clients’ portfolio — eg, across asset classes, sectors, etc. — would be remiss not to recommend adding at least a small amount of digital asset exposure. Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 7 June 2025 However, Martinez of Earthjustice noted that NOx is the single-largest category of emissions under the South Coast AQMD’s authority, and said that the agency would be remiss not to take action on it. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for remiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss
Adjective
  • Director Kim Jee-woon uses every trick in the haunted-house book when spinning the tale of two vulnerable sisters, their neglectful father, and their evil stepmother, all of whom are trapped together in a shabby (but beautifully filmed) old country house.
    Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
  • One of the tale’s bitterest ironies is that Victor will become a more demanding, more neglectful, and vastly more destructive father figure than Leopold ever was.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • He was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and was later issued a summons for no insurance, careless driving and leaving the scene of an accident, officials said.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Jenkins’ fumble was due to careless ball-handling, although two members of his offensive line got bull-rushed, leading to the pressure.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturday morning appeared more like a lazy weekday morning at SMF — plenty of curbside pickup spaces and ticketing agents offering extra attention — than the frontline of a nationwide transportation crunch.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • It’s made with a soft, cozy knit, but the sleek silhouette keeps it from veering into lazy-day territory.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Jurors were also tasked with deciding whether Zwerner was negligent and caused any of her own damages; if so, she would be barred from recovering any money from Parker, the judge instructed the jury.
    Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Douglas maintained during her closing that Parker did not breach a duty of care and was not grossly negligent.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remiss. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.

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