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 But fans of country music, and broadcast history too, would be remiss to not seek out a copy of 100 Years of Grand Ole Opry: A Celebration of the Artists, the Fans, and the Home of Country Music. Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025 But investors and operators would be remiss to paint the entire market with a single, broad stroke. Sam Sidhu, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Flower lovers would be remiss not to stop at Wildseed Farms to pick up a pack of seeds for their home gardens, while the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center just outside of Austin is also a worthy stop. Cynthia Drake, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, Dell would be remiss to remove that mini LED screen option. Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss
Adjective
  • Below, a few of my favorite books about bad mothering, from the benignly neglectful to the downright evil.
    Sarah Harman, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • Speaking of the Senate: That chamber on Monday fully passed Senate Bill 20, which seeks to crack down on chronically neglectful landlords by allowing government authorities to temporarily take control of run-down apartment buildings.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • Although Hill initially received two tickets for careless driving and not wearing a seat belt, they were dismissed after the officer who cited him didn’t show up to the Miami-Dade traffic hearing.
    C. Isaiah Smalls II, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
  • Of those fires, 90% were caused by careless human activity, the agency said.
    Caitlin Danaher, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • RuPaul wants a Drag Superstar, not an ordinary girl who gets lazy and gets bored.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Jack Sparks, aquatics director for the city, said Black Bob Bay’s water park typically draws the biggest crowds with its lazy river, rock wall and high dive.
    Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Teresa Louise Biswanath, 46, was sentenced to two years behind bars after a jury convicted her of criminally negligent homicide, the Washington County District Attorney’s Office said in a May 13 news release.
    Sara Schilling, Sacbee.com, 14 May 2025
  • The mother was charged with four counts of first-degree domestic violence, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse and criminally negligent homicide.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 14 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remiss. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remiss

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