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
Others worked for departments that had generous telework policies and lax enforcement of those requirements.
—
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Reuters won for its own investigative series on fentanyl, showing how lax regulation both inside and outside the United States makes the drug inexpensive and widely available.
—David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Most of the regiment did not regularly drill, and military discipline was extremely lax.
—Arkansas Online, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025
The new permit contains more lax regulations, neglects to address more than 20 toxic chemicals and concerns about forever chemicals, Vallee said in a statement.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025
Reuters won for its own investigative series on fentanyl, showing how lax regulation both inside and outside the United States makes the drug inexpensive and widely available.
—David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2025
Most of the regiment did not regularly drill, and military discipline was extremely lax.
—Arkansas Online, 3 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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After an afternoon strolling through Historic Georgetown, come back to the hotel for a quick change and a pre-dinner drink at Eliza’s, the relaxed, open-air waterfront bar at the back of the property.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
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The garden level features a private patio with an outdoor kitchenette, while sliding glass doors connect a relaxed seating area off the home’s secondary kitchen to a rear garden with a mudroom and bike storage.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 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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Everything has to be centred on them, perhaps with a flexible back three with three attacking midfielders: Havertz as a false nine, Musiala half left, Wirtz half right.—
Philipp Lahm,
New York Times,
6 June 2025
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Subsidized interest, flexible repayment options and leeway during times of financial hardship make federal loans a smart option for many eligible borrowers.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
5 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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Summer in New Jersey means long, lazy days at its famous beaches.—
Rachel Chang,
AFAR Media,
2 June 2025
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Dresses should feel effortless but not lazy, and easy to wear all day.—
Kelsey Glennon,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 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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Though her level of play has vacillated between sharp and sloppy throughout the tournament, Gauff was mostly dialed in against Boisson, who captivated the Parisian crowds in recent days.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
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 17 Jun. 2025.
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