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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 lax But having more lax exceptions was the most popular option among respondents. —

Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025 Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around President John F. Kennedy, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters. —

Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025 The more lax rules come after several developments, including Meta donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. —

Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025 How Walmart’s Financial Services Became a Fraud Magnet By Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind Scammers have duped consumers out of more than $1 billion by exploiting Walmart’s lax security. —

ProPublica, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

The deal does not however, require her to testify against Samantha, who is still facing 17 felonies, including criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, driving under the influence, failure to provide proof of insurance, careless driving and speeding.

— Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025
The careless boating misdemeanors carry a penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

— Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025