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

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 Excessive data gathering, lax access controls, indefinite retention, and insufficient governance all increase the impact of breaches. — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 This isn’t the first time a streamer has got into hot water for being lax over the safety of a movie. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026 Rather than asking American workers to compete against lax environmental standards, the policy rewards innovation, productivity, and cleaner manufacturing. — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026 Who was lax in announcing that Con Edison would be doing electrical work in the park and there could be danger of live wires? — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution amended the first charge to reckless driving, second offense, and the second charge to a careless driving citation.

— Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
Steele accepted the reduced charge, along with a separate careless-driving citation, and suspended the athlete’s driver’s license for five years.

— Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

The loosened restrictions will not empower Washington to pursue investment and economic cooperation with al Sharaa’s government, which could transform the impoverished country.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Scrub the metal grid with a dish sponge or brush to remove loosened debris.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of loosened

Adjective

Still, Duncan on Friday argued that the move is a mistake that empowers neglectful landlords and fails tenants.

— Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2026
Played by Rhea Perlman alongside her real-life husband Danny DeVito, the beauty and bingo-obsessed matriarch was pretty neglectful.

— Huntley Woods, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of neglectful

Adjective

Thickness, though, is not always an option—optical films have to stay clear, protective layers on aircraft have to stay light and flexible, and the barriers on outdoor electronics are thin by design.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026
Soft loafers are also resonating for their lightweight, flexible construction and polished look without sacrificing comfort.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Stronger downdraft winds and loose, dry soil can impact how much dust is lifted into the air.

— Brandi D. Addison, AZCentral.com, 30 Aug. 2026
The Markeyverse — a loose network of meme accounts run by young progressives that Markey credited for his last election victory — has diminished.

— Laura Beveridge, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of loose

Adjective

But a 17-point win masked how off-kilter and sloppy the offense looked against the overmatched Huskies.

— John Talty, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
Vaughn Grissom drove in four runs, rookie Walbert Ureña pitched seven strong innings and the Los Angeles Angels ended a seven-game losing streak with a 10-1 victory over the sloppy New York Yankees on Monday night.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of sloppy

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lawyers

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laxity

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“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lax

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