1
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
2
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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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lax
Many of them had been jailed before but released because of lax juvenile crime policies in the city, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
—
Peter D'abrosca , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025
In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.
—Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women’s lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Peter D'abrosca , Cb Cotton, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025
In states with lax gun laws, private security—a broad, thinly regulated industry that heavily employs ex-cops and former servicemen—can be a bridge between law enforcement and vigilante activity.
—Jessica Pishko, New Yorker, 6 June 2025
Unfortunately, the Maryland State Department of Education was lax and ineffective in ensuring that these accountability requirements were enforced.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2025
Finally, Paul visits 3-time Tewaaraton winner Taylor Cummings at Bryn Mawr, where Maryland women’s lax stars are born and jousts over the true state sport.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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State troopers cited the truck driver who caused the crash, a 57-year-old Texas man, for careless driving causing injury, according to the agency.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
7 June 2025
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Edmund Richard Hartley, 32, the alleged operator of the vessel towing Ella, has been charged with four misdemeanors for careless operation of a vessel, the commission said.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
3 June 2025
Adjective
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In this case, the design highlights the importance of family, the desire to create a relaxed environment, and an elegance born of simplicity.—
Katia Contreras,
Architectural Digest,
19 June 2025
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And yet, the relaxed spirit that first drew backpackers and retired expats still lingers.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Adjective
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In interviews with Christopher, his parents, an aunt and his sister, each labeled different family members as abusive or neglectful, but all said that a lot of that fell on Christopher.—
John Leland,
New York Times,
23 Mar. 2025
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Attendees will learn about what constitutes neglect, abuse and exploitation of older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as how to report an abusive or neglectful situation.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
21 May 2025
Adjective
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FSIs who provide flexible, digital-first work environments and AI-enabled productivity tools may be better positioned to attract this talent and benefit from their fresh perspectives.—
Monica Hovsepian,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
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In 8th grade, students create a flexible four-year plan for high school to help guide them.—
Michelle Mullins,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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For all his reputation as an annoyingly committed actor, Norton feels so loose and playful with Anderson.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
12 June 2025
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2025
Adjective
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Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park boasts an 800-foot-long lazy river, water slides, and a wave pool.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
17 June 2025
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Filter out the lazy networkers who expect instant replies.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
Adjective
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There were loud boos at half-time, a smattering in the closing minutes and a few more at the final whistle as England played without any real intensity, were sloppy in possession and struggled to break down a team more than happy to sit everyone behind the ball.—
Dan Sheldon,
New York Times,
8 June 2025
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Both players were sloppy in the first set, conceding 21 break-point chances and making 48 unforced errors between them, with Sabalenka making 32 yet still winning the set.—
Jerome Pugmire,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2025
Adjective
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Before centre-back Gimenez could come on, more slack marking allowed Ferran Torres a free header to make it 2-2.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
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My actual dining companion, dressed in her nonprofit workwear, was slack jawed at the precision of the seasoning.—
Caroline Hatchett,
Robb Report,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.
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