remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis How to pronounce remiss (audio)
Definition of remissnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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
  1. neglectful
  2. careless
  3. lazy
  4. negligent
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
  • 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
  • People get lazy, reusing passwords or pseudonyms or crypto wallets.
    — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As the lazy days of summer fade and little ones return to school, autumn invites an air of academia.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • In March, a Los Angeles jury found Meta and YouTube negligent for designing their apps in ways that caused children to become addicted and suffer mental-health harms.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Under Assembly Bill 2, social media companies could face fines of up to $1 million per child for negligent harm.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of negligent

Browse Nearby Words

reminiscing (about)
remiss
remissible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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