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
It was fueled in part by gun industry marketing, intensified by America’s dangerously lax gun laws, and intertwined with an ever-growing white supremacist movement.
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Douglas Letter, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
But the federal government shuttered the other, Manhattan's Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC), in August 2021, citing issues — like lax security and crumbling infrastructure — that came to light after Jeffrey Epstein's death by suicide there two years earlier.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
With lax safety standards and problems with overcrowding, accidents occur frequently.
—CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
Inadequate regulation, poor oversight and lax enforcement by state regulators allowed the violence to fester, despite aggressive policing from the city.
—Tony Cook, IndyStar, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lax
Adjective
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The driver of the truck was cited for careless driving; the vehicle was not equipped with chains, but chains were not required under state law in Friday morning’s conditions, according to Colorado State Patrol.—
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Drug, alcohol, careless living.—
Adjective
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Other reviewers appreciate the sweater’s relaxed silhouette that drapes nicely without looking baggy.—
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Cate Blanchett is the queen of a relaxed, textured bob.—
Adjective
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Next, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and use a microfiber cloth to wipe away all the loosened grime.—
Adjective
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True Crime, which will help readers understand her rise from a traumatic, neglectful childhood to become an award-winning police reporter and forensic expert and eventual author.—
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Many of the animals were found living in neglectful and abusive conditions, officials said.—
Adjective
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Gently clean the seal regularly baking soda or dish soap to remove mold and keep it flexible.—
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With more than $2 million raised through crowdfunding, Zero Zero Robotics says AQUA has drawn strong interest from watersport enthusiasts looking for a more durable and flexible aerial filming tool.—
Adjective
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Last year, Anderson stuck with a soft glam look and left her hair down in natural, loose waves.—
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
Adjective
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Saturday morning appeared more like a lazy weekday morning at SMF — plenty of curbside pickup spaces and ticketing agents offering extra attention — than the frontline of a nationwide transportation crunch.—
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It’s made with a soft, cozy knit, but the sleek silhouette keeps it from veering into lazy-day territory.—
Adjective
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The soft knit fabric drapes just right, giving that relaxed vibe without looking sloppy.—
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Practice had been a bit a sloppy at times, but San Diego State coach Brian Dutcher had a wide smile anyway Thursday afternoon.—
Cite this Entry
“Lax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lax. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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