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 interviews with Christopher, his parents, an aunt and his sister, each labeled different family members as abusive or neglectful, but all said that a lot of that fell on Christopher.
    John Leland, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Attendees will learn about what constitutes neglect, abuse and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as how to report an abusive or neglectful situation.
    Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • State troopers cited the truck driver who caused the crash, a 57-year-old Texas man, for careless driving causing injury, according to the agency.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 7 June 2025
  • Edmund Richard Hartley, 31, the yacht captain towing Adler and another girl, was charged with four counts of careless boating, including one count for not having a lookout to keep an eye on the girls.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • Summer in New Jersey means long, lazy days at its famous beaches.
    Rachel Chang, AFAR Media, 2 June 2025
  • Dresses should feel effortless but not lazy, and easy to wear all day.
    Kelsey Glennon, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Adjective
  • Former Cedars-Sinai Medical Center obstetrician-gynecologist Barry J. Brock has surrendered his medical license following an accusation of negligent care from the state medical board.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • In his answer to the lawsuit, Walker contends that any liability for damages should be reduced or eliminated if it is revealed that Sevier failed to mitigate his damages and was negligent and/or comparatively at fault.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remiss. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on remiss

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