LAX Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of lax are neglectful , negligent , remiss , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: When could 'neglectful' be used to replace 'lax'?

While in some cases nearly identical to lax , neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: When would 'negligent' be a good substitute for 'lax'?

Although the words negligent and lax have much in common, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

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

The words remiss and lax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'lax'?

While the synonyms slack and lax are close in meaning, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

lax

adjective

ˈlaks

Definition of lax next

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in relaxed

not bound by rigid standards the guidelines for the essay contest were fairly lax, permitting a wide variety of topics

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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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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of lax are neglectful, negligent, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When could neglectful be used to replace lax?

While in some cases nearly identical to lax, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

When would negligent be a good substitute for lax?

Although the words negligent and lax have much in common, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is remiss a more appropriate choice than lax?

The words remiss and lax are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of lax?

While the synonyms slack and lax are close in meaning, 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 lax Cheap land, lax zoning and space to build horizontally made Sunbelt cities prime areas for new rental communities. —

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 The report also criticized the air force as it was found partially responsible for lax regulations regarding pilots' use of cameras during flight. —

Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 In New York, staged auto accidents, medical mills, and a lax threshold for awarding payouts are siphoning money from drivers, municipalities, and the MTA alike. —

Ike Brannon, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 2026 The last point is in response to teachers who said bans are hard to enforce if the teacher next door is more lax, said Sarah Almy Moore, a parent and former DPS employee who was on the committee. —

Melanie Asmar, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lax

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax

Adjective

Stewart’s successor, Mayor Bobby Sanchez, a Democrat, suspended Blogoslawski in February amid allegations of improprieties, including the careless handling of cash and the backdating of tax payments to avoid interest penalties.

— Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2026
More likely the difference was in the turnover column – 15 for the Lakers, which led to 18 Houston points, including several errors that seemed careless and one sequence early in the fourth quarter at the offensive end in which the ball was flying all over the place.

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of careless

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lawyers

lax

laxity

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“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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