2
: deficient in firmness : not stringent
lax control
a lax foreman
security has been lax
3
a
: not tense, firm, or rigid : slack
a lax rope
b
: having an open or loose texture
a lax soil
c
: having the constituents spread apart
a lax flower cluster
4
: articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (such as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē\)
Examples of lax in a Sentence
Adjective
The university has been lax about enforcing these rules.
lax parents who let their kids stay out as late as they want
Recent Examples on the Web
Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
Some have called the city lax for failing to stop shoplifters, cart scofflaws and other signs of crime and deterioration around the full-service Midway grocer, but the St. Paul Police Department reported this week that officers made more than 500 visits to the 1440 University Ave.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
In his statement, Ramsey referenced a case in which two defendants were given lax punishments after a physical altercation with two LMPD officers.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
If nefarious actors found the lax vulnerability, McDonald’s leadership would be mired in a costly, public crisis.
—Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
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Adjective
But many police departments in the state, including Austin, have faced accusations of lackluster internal investigations and lax discipline that lets officers off the hook with little accountability.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 26 July 2025
Some have called the city lax for failing to stop shoplifters, cart scofflaws and other signs of crime and deterioration around the full-service Midway grocer, but the St. Paul Police Department reported this week that officers made more than 500 visits to the 1440 University Ave.
—Frederick Melo, Twin Cities, 22 July 2025
In his statement, Ramsey referenced a case in which two defendants were given lax punishments after a physical altercation with two LMPD officers.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 18 July 2025
If nefarious actors found the lax vulnerability, McDonald’s leadership would be mired in a costly, public crisis.
—Noah Barsky, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lax. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lax
adjective1
of the bowels
: loose sense 3
2
: having loose bowels
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