remiss

adjective

ri-ˈmis How to pronounce remiss (audio)
Definition of remissnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 See our Guide 08 of 09 Roanoke Named America’s East Coast Mountain Biking Capital, a list of Virginia mountain towns would be remiss without including the bustling city of Roanoke. — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024 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 See All Example Sentences for remiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for remiss
  1. neglectful
  2. careless
  3. lazy
  4. negligent
Adjective
  • Two pit bulls were rescued from their allegedly neglectful owner and her uninhabitable home on Wednesday, Feb. 19, according to a Sunday, Feb. 23 Suffolk County SPCA news release.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • These dream-memories throw us directly into the action with scenes involving mobsters, a neglectful father, and an explosion—all before skipping back to unrelated conversations in modern day.
    — Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 23 Feb. 2025
Definition of neglectful
Adjective
  • The Heat committed 14 turnovers, several of them particularly careless, and shot just 9 for 37 (24.3 percent) on threes.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Nests are usually placed on a horizontal conifer branch less than 10 feet above the ground, which makes sense, given the careless, rickety appearance of their design.
    — Matt Kracht, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of careless
Adjective
  • James River Virginia Flowing right through Richmond, the James River is an urban tubing experience with scenic views of the Richmond skyline and a mix of lazy sections and small rapids.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The girl pointed out the man to a parent, then someone took videos of him swimming up to other young girls who were alone in the lazy river, deputies said.
    — Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of lazy
Adjective
  • He was accused of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for the unintentional death of Neely – and later acquitted.
    — Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The notice contends that town officials were negligent and failed to properly supervise Moan.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of negligent

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Cite this Entry

“Remiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/remiss. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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