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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lax
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Scenic views and lax regulations helped turn South Florida into the rehab capital of the world.
—
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Social media users were not happy and blasted the royal couple for taking a lax approach to water safety while boating.
—Tracy Wright, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025
Those findings echoed a November report by the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller that found lax accounting procedures resulted in the failure to reclaim millions of dollars in cash advances to contractors and to pay other contractors on time, even when funds were available.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The decision to take back animal control comes as complaints from residents about what some consider lax enforcement of the city’s animal welfare ordinances continue to mount.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025
Social media users were not happy and blasted the royal couple for taking a lax approach to water safety while boating.
—Tracy Wright, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025
Those findings echoed a November report by the Los Angeles County Auditor-Controller that found lax accounting procedures resulted in the failure to reclaim millions of dollars in cash advances to contractors and to pay other contractors on time, even when funds were available.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025
The decision to take back animal control comes as complaints from residents about what some consider lax enforcement of the city’s animal welfare ordinances continue to mount.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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The team held a multiple-point lead with seconds to go, but careless defense and turnovers cost them.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
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Top-four defencemen Darnell Nurse and Jake Walman were also careless with the puck at times.—
Daniel Nugent-Bowman,
New York Times,
27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Baggy jeans have claimed their place in the fashion world as a comfortable, versatile garment that bridges the gap between relaxed and elegant.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
26 Mar. 2025
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While the lifestyle guru isn’t the first A-lister to break out the relaxed pants style in recent weeks — Jennifer Garner wore a similar pair while out in Los Angeles last month — her lightweight linen take on the trend makes so much sense for spring and summer.—
Averi Baudler,
People.com,
25 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The Kentucky Humane Society is actively caring for 35 horses at Willow Hope Farm after rescuing 10 in emaciated and neglectful conditions in Franklin County Wednesday morning.—
Marina Johnson,
The Courier-Journal,
20 Dec. 2024
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Two pit bulls were rescued from their allegedly neglectful owner and her uninhabitable home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to a Sunday, Feb. 23 Suffolk County SPCA news release.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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However, most new users can start with the more flexible $1,500 first bet.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
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The sneakers use Vionic’s signature Vio-Motion technology for a stable, comfortable, and flexible fit that aids in full-body alignment.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
20 Mar. 2025
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His right rear wheel got loose and came off, sending him straight to the outside wall.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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On Facebook, the city government shared images of cracks in the walls of the lazy river, rust in the mechanical room and chipping concrete on a pedestrian bridge.—
Eleanor Nash,
Kansas City Star,
23 Mar. 2025
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In contrast to Joe Biden, Trump is not a traditional Atlanticist, views many of Washington's security arrangements in Europe as either antiquated or unfair, and tends to scoff at the European theater writ-large as lazy teenagers who take their parent's support for granted.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Read's lawyers pointed repeatedly to sloppy policing, including leaving the scene unsecured for hours and not searching the house.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
28 Mar. 2025
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Naive and sloppy behavior by top Trump aides could have endangered US pilots.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 2025.
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