REMISS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax , neglectful , negligent , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. // had been remiss in their familial duties

Q: When can 'lax' be used instead of 'remiss'?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss , lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'neglectful' instead of 'remiss'?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

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

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is 'slack' a more appropriate choice than 'remiss'?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. However, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis

Definition of remiss

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can lax be used instead of remiss?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When is it sensible to use neglectful instead of remiss?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

Where would negligent be a reasonable alternative to remiss?

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is slack a more appropriate choice than remiss?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. 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 remiss Anyone eager to escape to Europe for the warmer months—and especially those who love to travel by boat—would be remiss not to take a peek at the exceptional itineraries on offer from Celestyal Cruises. — Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026 Red, white and blue Blue jeans are one of the few garments closely tied to American heritage, and denim brands would be remiss to miss the opportunity to capitalize on their connection to Americana. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 Now, for the dominance I’d be remiss not to name some All-Stars from Regionals, as there were a handful of teams and players who showed up when the lights were brightest. — Molly Keshin, New York Times, 19 May 2026 There was a spirit of abundance and joy, too; that can’t be remiss. — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for remiss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss

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

Adjective

Officers arrested Mia Dawson, 20, in relation to the incident on charges of operating while impaired, reckless operation of a vehicle, hit-and-run driving, vehicular homicide and vehicular negligent injuring.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The rallies have become emblematic of long-simmering, intergenerational anger among people who say their calls for social and political change are going unmet by negligent governments.

— Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of negligent

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

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