LAX Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'lax' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of lax are neglectful , negligent , remiss , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: When could 'neglectful' be used to replace 'lax'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lax , neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: When would 'negligent' be a good substitute for 'lax'?

Although the words negligent and lax have much in common, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is 'remiss' a more appropriate choice than 'lax'?

The words remiss and lax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. // had been remiss in their familial duties

Q: When can 'slack' be used instead of 'lax'?

While the synonyms slack and lax are close in meaning, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

lax

adjective

ˈlaks

Definition of lax next

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards the guidelines for the essay contest were fairly lax, permitting a wide variety of topics

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as in loosened

not tightly fastened, tied, or stretched the sheet on the foresail was lax, and so the sail was flapping wildly in the stiff wind

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

Some common synonyms of lax are neglectful, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace lax?

While in some cases nearly identical to lax, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When would negligent be a good substitute for lax?

Although the words negligent and lax have much in common, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is remiss a more appropriate choice than lax?

The words remiss and lax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of lax?

While the synonyms slack and lax are close in meaning, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care.

slack workmanship

Examples of lax in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web Meyer was criticized for being a lax disciplinarian and potentially enabling Hernandez‘s problematic behavior during his time at the University of Florida. —

Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 25 Sep. 2024 The Atlantic Festival a report called out the government’s lax RTO full time incompatible with managing a team. —

Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2024 In March, TikTok was ordered to pay $11 million by Italy’s competition watchdog over lax content checks. —

Iain Martin, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024 Under its chair, Lina Khan, the FTC has placed the inflationary effect of decades of lax antitrust enforcement front and center in justifying its goal of fostering greater competition. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

The female driver, whose name has not been released, was charged with careless driving causing injury, according to WPBF and WFOR-TV.

Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 23 Oct. 2024
If companies are careless, AI will replicate the same biases as human decision-making.

Dr. Vic Baker, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Definition of careless

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“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: 1 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of lax

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