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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In August 2023, using the FWC’s report on the crash, prosecutors initially charged Pino with only three counts of misdemeanor careless boating.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
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Being a careless jackass but also irresistibly charming is a tough needle to thread.—
Staff Author Published,
EW.com,
22 May 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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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
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Disorganized behavior: Mary/Jone refuses to eat with her/his family or have a bath, which may reflect disorganized or neglectful behavior.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 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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This flexible offer gives new users a 40-to-1 odds boost on the NBA Finals.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 June 2025
Adjective
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Tips for Choosing the Right Outdoor Furniture Cover Size An outdoor furniture cover size that’s too large can cause the cover to come loose from your furniture during storms or windy conditions, while a cover that’s too small won’t fit securely on the furniture.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
30 May 2025
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Entering the final year of his contract, which carries a $4.5 million annual average value, Marchment could shake loose as a result of Dallas opting to make some difficult budgetary choices this summer.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
30 May 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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Los Alamitos tied the game in the third due to some sloppy defense from the Eagles.—
Michael Huntley,
Oc Register,
23 May 2025
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The first half was sloppy, with both teams unable to take control of the game or create genuine goal chances.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
22 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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