NEGLIGENCE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words

negligence

noun

ˈne-gli-jən(t)s

Definition of negligence

as in neglectfulness

failure to take the care that a cautious person usually takes exhibiting his usual negligence, he failed to set the emergency brake, and the car rolled down the steep hill and crashed into the telephone pole

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in neglect

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action the factory's owners are being charged with criminal negligence for the fire that killed a dozen workers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 negligence In court filings, the McCoys said negligence and poor workmanship led to hazardous conditions in their home. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 The lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false arrests, false imprisonment and malicious prosecution, attorney Michael Gallagher said at a news conference Monday. — Daniella Silva, NBC news, 5 Oct. 2026 The federal lawsuit alleges negligence, battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, false arrest, and false imprisonment. — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026 The suit alleges that Fox's actions rise to the level of corporate negligence under the Ukrainian civil code. — David Folkenflik, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for negligence

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligence

Noun

But that drop in intensity quickly veered into carelessness, with the defence failing to assert its composure amid loose passes and hapless communication mix-ups.

— Chris McKenna, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Conflicts and tragedies are almost always the result of carelessness or accidents that spiral totally out of control.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of carelessness

Noun

Another on-ramp to the fragile pathway is a childhood of abuse, neglect, or other recurring traumatic experiences.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
After decades of neglect and subsequent disrepair, it was recently restored into a luxurious one-bedroom retreat that honors its historic roots while embracing contemporary amenities like a king bed, an en-suite bathroom, and a sleek living area.

— Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of neglect

Noun

The question confronting Israel and its international partners is not simply whether money should flow into Gaza, but also who controls it—and whether the next arrangement will avoid the failures of the last.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Special-teams breakdowns — including a 70-yard kickoff return and two field-goal failures — played a big role in the Rams’ 37-34 overtime loss to Buffalo.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of failure

Noun

The case has led to calls for tougher oversight of churches and other religious organizations in a country where religious faith plays a prominent role in public life.

— Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
In 2012 American entrepreneur Russ George spread roughly 100 tons of iron in the North Pacific, provoking international criticism that a commercial venture had begun geoengineering without adequate oversight.

— Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of oversight

Browse Nearby Words

negligees

negligence

negligent

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Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of negligence

noun

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