LAID-BACK Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

laid-back

adjective

ˈlād-ˈbak

Definition of laid-back

as in casual

having a relaxed, casual manner a laid-back fisherman, he didn't really care if he caught anything, being content to relax and enjoy the sunshine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 laid-back Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026 The two looks show just how easily a matching set can go from laid-back to polished. — Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Her father is much more laid-back and won’t abuse the privilege. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 On the Florida Panhandle in a region known as the Forgotten Coast, Gulf County serves as an ideal spot for a laid-back, uncrowded family beach vacation in the Sunshine State. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laid-back

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laid-back

Adjective

The casual setup and price points at Tiger’s Den swing the sushi pendulum away from ultra luxury and back toward its origins in Japan as a quick, working-class meal.

— Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
The trick is to break up the jacket-and-skirt combo and pair each with more casual pieces that take the edge off its classic finish.

— Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of casual

Adjective

The lower-register instruments in this track are also fairly mellow in the recording, and the subtle bass in the headphones almost pushes them into obscurity, further piling everything into the cacophonous middle.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
Warm yet uplifting with a strong hit of black tea, Still Bloom's cardomom, sesame, and orange top notes hit like a shot of caffeine before dissipating into a mellow, comforting underbelly of musk, rose and cedarwood, to name a few.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of mellow

Adjective

Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Today, Putin follows essentially the same model, seeking to erode allies’ confidence in NATO’s Article 5 by relying on tactics that fall below the threshold of a conventional warfare and leave unaffected members hesitant to respond.

— Julianne Smith, Foreign Affairs, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of unaffected

Adjective

Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.

— Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of nonchalant

Adjective

Filmmaker Ava DuVernay chose Milton Rogovin’s informal, untitled portrait of a beautiful young Buffalo woman from his East Side, 1961-63 collection.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
Second, the agency can issue formal or informal warning letters threatening consequences if a violation is not remedied.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of informal

Adjective

Paired with on-site energy storage, SSTs could turn data centers from blunt-force loads into more flexible participants in the grid.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Trump’s flexible realism also entails recognizing the need to form bespoke coalitions of the willing to augment the United Nations and other large multilateral institutions.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Though his father’s death torments him, Calvin is an affable, hardworking widower.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Blandly appealing, affable enough, and with the easy looks and charm that could lead any generic political campaign, Mark Kimball is just inches away from becoming mayor of Los Angeles.

— Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of affable

Browse Nearby Words

laid away

laid-back

laid-backness

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“Laid-back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laid-back. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of laid-back

adjective

Example Sentences

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