REMISS Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax , neglectful , negligent , and slack . While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect. // had been remiss in their familial duties

Q: When can 'lax' be used instead of 'remiss'?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss , lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision. // a reporter lax about accurate quotation

Q: When is it sensible to use 'neglectful' instead of 'remiss'?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention. // a society callously neglectful of the poor

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

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business. // negligent about writing a note of thanks

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

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. However, slack implies want of due or necessary diligence or care. // slack workmanship

remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis

Definition of remiss next

as in neglectful

failing to give proper care and attention I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of remiss are lax, neglectful, negligent, and slack. While all these words mean "culpably careless or indicative of such carelessness," remiss implies blameworthy carelessness shown in slackness, forgetfulness, or neglect.

had been remiss in their familial duties

When can lax be used instead of remiss?

While in some cases nearly identical to remiss, lax implies a blameworthy lack of strictness, severity, or precision.

a reporter lax about accurate quotation

When is it sensible to use neglectful instead of remiss?

The words neglectful and remiss are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglectful adds a more disapproving implication of laziness or deliberate inattention.

a society callously neglectful of the poor

Where would negligent be a reasonable alternative to remiss?

While the synonyms negligent and remiss are close in meaning, negligent implies inattention to one's duty or business.

negligent about writing a note of thanks

When is slack a more appropriate choice than remiss?

In some situations, the words slack and remiss are roughly equivalent. 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 remiss In this regard, we geologists have been mostly remiss. —

The New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2024 This capability isn’t to be remiss in an industry that often leans into sterile marketing campaigns with all of the same faces. —

Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Aug. 2024 However what seems almost remiss is that during nine years of operation there has never yet been an Off-White show in the United States. —

Luke Leitch, Vogue, 22 July 2024 The brand’s annual July Fourth sale offers major markdowns on camping gear, travel apparel, and even luggage and backpacks, and with discounts extending up to 56 percent off, shoppers would be remiss not to check out the unbeatable offerings. —

Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for remiss

Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss

Adjective

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
Keepers of the Wild, Valentine This wildlife refuge along Historic Route 66 northeast of Kingman is home to hundreds of animals rescued from neglectful and abusive situations.

— Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 1 Jan. 2025