1
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
2
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
3
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lax
But having more lax exceptions was the most popular option among respondents.
—
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around President John F. Kennedy, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
The more lax rules come after several developments, including Meta donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025
How Walmart’s Financial Services Became a Fraud Magnet By Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind
Scammers have duped consumers out of more than $1 billion by exploiting Walmart’s lax security.
—ProPublica, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lax
Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
Bolden, who’d warned about lax security practices around President John F. Kennedy, was charged in 1964 with attempting to sell a copy of a Secret Service file to a ring of counterfeiters.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Jan. 2025
The more lax rules come after several developments, including Meta donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 Jan. 2025
How Walmart’s Financial Services Became a Fraud Magnet By Craig Silverman and Peter Elkind
Scammers have duped consumers out of more than $1 billion by exploiting Walmart’s lax security.
—ProPublica, 26 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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These research projects, ongoing at UCF, could be among the research hit by the budget ax being wielded by careless hands — part of a nationwide strike against grants funded by the National Institutes of Health.—
Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards,
Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2025
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The program has faced consequences of careless actions even before that, said Benjamin Chevat, executive director at Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act.—
Nancy Cutler,
USA TODAY,
19 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The Village opened a basement eatery called Sotto in December with refined Italian comfort food and a relaxed climate and decor that the owners hope will attract a younger crowd.—
Peter Breen,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Feb. 2025
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The city’s famous coffee shops offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy premium cannabis while soaking in the charming canals and vibrant arts scene.—
Matt Rozo,
The Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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These dream-memories throw us directly into the action with scenes involving mobsters, a neglectful father, and an explosion—all before skipping back to unrelated conversations in modern day.—
Eliana Dockterman,
TIME,
23 Feb. 2025
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Nor is stealth aided by growing evidence of his own neglectful self-care: exhaustion, panic attacks, blackouts, a limp from unattended jogging injuries, eventually audio and visual hallucinations.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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What’s needed now are more flexible funding schemes and opportunities that will allow Latvian productions to be competitive on the global market.—
Marta Balaga,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
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Be flexible If your child’s birthday falls on a holiday, flexibility is key.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Many use hybrid approaches, creating loose story frameworks while leaving room for spontaneity.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
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And if adding sugar, stir slowly to not jostle the grounds loose.—
Ryan Deto,
Axios,
24 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The man’s pretty mouth is curved into a lazy grin, arms crossed over his superb chest.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
13 Feb. 2025
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Lobster Pappardelle made with a 1.25-lb lazy lobster, English peas, fresh pappardelle pasta and sherry thyme cream is also available for $45.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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In the 24th minute, Mitchell senior captain Adam Naim, who had already been shown a yellow for dissent, was issued his second yellow for a sloppy tackle from behind and was sent off, forcing the Mustangs to play a man down for the rest of the match.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2025
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Making the leads play to sloppy Boomer and Gen Z stereotypes is a slight to everyone involved, including the audience.—
Courtney Howard,
Variety,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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If the rules are too slack, people take advantage of them.—
Dave Altimari,
Hartford Courant,
8 Jan. 2025
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Fernandes has no right to seize upon a slack backpass and lob Kelleher from about 40 yards out.—
Carl Anka,
The Athletic,
7 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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