NEGLIGENT Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax , neglectful , remiss , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

Q: When is it sensible to use 'lax' instead of 'negligent'?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: Where would 'neglectful' be a reasonable alternative to 'negligent'?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

Q: In what contexts can 'remiss' take the place of 'negligent'?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent , 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 'negligent'?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; however, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

negligent

adjective

ˈne-gli-jənt

Definition of negligent next

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention the youngster has been woefully negligent in taking care of the vacationing neighbor's dog, repeatedly forgetting to feed the poor animal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of negligent are lax, neglectful, remiss, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is it sensible to use lax instead of negligent?

While the synonyms lax and negligent are close in meaning, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Where would neglectful be a reasonable alternative to negligent?

Although the words neglectful and negligent have much in common, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

In what contexts can remiss take the place of negligent?

While in some cases nearly identical to negligent, remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can slack be used instead of negligent?

The meanings of slack and negligent largely overlap; 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 negligent Beyond murder, the jury in Criminal District Court No. 3 was instructed by a visiting judge, Justice Lee Gabriel, to consider, at the request of the defense, the lesser offenses of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. —

Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Feb. 2025 Penny – who stepped in as Neely was threatening passengers – was found not guilty last year of criminally negligent homicide. —

Julia Bonavita, Fox News, 3 Feb. 2025 Khoury said Edison disagreed with investigators that the company was negligent in causing the Thomas fire. —

Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2025 The man charged with robbery has a prior conviction for negligent discharge of a firearm, according to the criminal complaint. —

Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for negligent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for negligent

Adjective

While Gensler’s assessment has merit, the idea that crypto is merely a speculative playground with no fundamental value is neglectful and outdated.

— Edan Yago, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Buy Now 12 of 15 'Matilda' by Roald Dahl Precocious bookworms everywhere found a kindred spirit in Matilda, a little girl with neglectful parents and a loving teacher who takes on a terrorizing headmistress with her special powers.

— Lizz Schumer, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024