NEGLIGENT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'negligent' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax , neglectful , remiss , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lax' instead of 'negligent'?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: Where would 'neglectful' be a reasonable alternative to 'negligent'?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: In what contexts can 'remiss' take the place of 'negligent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent , 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 'negligent'?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

negligent

adjective

ˈne-gli-jənt

Definition of negligent

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention the youngster has been woefully negligent in taking care of the vacationing neighbor's dog, repeatedly forgetting to feed the poor animal

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How is the word negligent different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax, neglectful, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use lax instead of negligent?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Where would neglectful be a reasonable alternative to negligent?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can remiss take the place of negligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of negligent?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, 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 negligent The four-count lawsuit alleges that High Meadow was negligent and reckless in allowing more than 150 students into a pool that had a maximum capacity of 105 occupants. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026 Avila’s sister and co-plaintiff, Patricia Avila sued Brown in April 2021, alleging premises liability, negligent infliction of emotional distress and strict liability. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 Those affidavits accused Camp Mystic LLC of committing manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, injury to a child, abandoning or endangering a child and deadly conduct. — San Antonio Express-News, 30 Sep. 2026 Executives and operators focus on four stages when trying to bring down a drone in restricted airspace, whether the drone’s operator is being negligent or trying to cause trouble. — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for negligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligent

Adjective

With nowhere to put her maternal love after the loss of her son Jason, Pam Voorhees (Linda Cardellini) soon takes an interest in Grace, whose own mom appears to be abusive and neglectful.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of neglectful

Adjective

Josh Hoover may have been a bit careless, but every game TCU has played this season is another painful example how badly both his old school, and coach, miss him.

— Mac Engel October 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026
Red Raiders quarterback Will Hammond can be careless with the football, throwing three interceptions against Sam Houston last weekend and posting five picks in four games.

— Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of careless

Adjective

Composed of 160 photographs taken across the past seven decades by 118 photographers, the show suggests the jobs, romances, family life, and lazy afternoons that could have been his.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
However, GitHub’s measures don’t require users to revoke any credentials left exposed in a repo, and some developers continue hard-coding, even though it’s considered both lazy development and exceptionally poor security.

— Alex Colon, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of lazy

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“Negligent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/negligent. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of negligent

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Synonyms of negligent

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