lax

adjective

ˈlaks How to pronounce lax (audio)
Definition of laxnext
1
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
2
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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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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 Producer of Hate: For years, Matthew Allison took advantage of lax moderation on the social media platform Telegram to churn out videos — around 120 in total — celebrating white terrorism. —James Bandler, ProPublica, 25 Mar. 2025 Compounding the problem is the lax verification of developers. —Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 This was Madness, where a lax effort against a plucky underdog meant the death of a season. —Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025 Related Stories How Inbal Weinberg’s Production Design Gives Characters Meaning ‘Snow Leopard Sisters’ Review: A Nature Doc That Seeks Out Human Empathy and Compassion Scenic views and lax regulations helped turn South Florida into the rehab capital of the world. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
  1. careless
  2. relaxed
  3. neglectful
  4. flexible
  5. loose
  6. lazy
  7. sloppy
  8. slack
Adjective
  • She was cited with careless driving, the sheriff’s office said.
    — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Following the accident, the driver, a 61-year-old woman, was cited with careless driving and cooperated with investigators at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
    — Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • Take enough time to have regular and relaxed bowel movements.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Health, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The minimalist decor has warm stucco interiors, wooden benches, and an intimate bar area, creating the perfect setting for relaxed gatherings with friends.
    — Taryn White, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of relaxed
Adjective
  • Stress Factors There a few factors, mostly neglectful, that can cause stress on your peace lily.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025
  • The rise of institutional investment in housing has also made people more vulnerable to eviction and to neglectful or abusive landlord management practices.
    — Made by History, TIME, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • These include widespread access to affordable childcare, generous parental leave shared between both parents, and flexible work arrangements.
    — Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The monetization model for micro-drama apps tends to be more flexible than traditional online streaming services – users can opt to continue viewing by watching ads, paying for a subscription or paying per episode.
    — Sara Merican, Deadline, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • Leaders must actively value, retain, and leverage the knowledge of experienced workers—or brace for turbulence far worse than a loose airplane door.
    — Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Roan often wears her hair down in soft red ringlets letting her bangs fall loose for a naturally graceful, modern look.
    — Irene Coltrinari, Vogue, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of loose
Adjective
  • For those who prefer a little more structure to their days, the resort has all kinds of other tricks up its sleeve, including an expansive waterpark featuring a lazy river, several waterslides, and adults-only pools surrounded by cabanas and day beds.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Attractions include a one-acre wave pool, lazy river, and Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world.
    — Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • Had the veteran made sloppy errors or been at blame for any goals conceded, Farke would have been left with nowhere else to turn.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • During Nebraska’s run, Cardenas endured an uncharacteristic sloppy spell, turning over the ball six times in the first half.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of sloppy
Adjective
  • If the rules are too slack, people take advantage of them.
    — Dave Altimari, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Fernandes has no right to seize upon a slack backpass and lob Kelleher from about 40 yards out.
    — Carl Anka, The Athletic, 7 Apr. 2024
Definition of slack

Browse Nearby Words

lawyers
lax
laxity
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Cite this Entry

“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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