laid-back

adjective

ˈlād-ˈbak How to pronounce laid-back (audio)
Definition of laid-backnext
as in casual
having a relaxed, casual manner a laid-back fisherman, he didn't really care if he caught anything, being content to relax and enjoy the sunshine

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 laid-back Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026 The two looks show just how easily a matching set can go from laid-back to polished. — Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026 Her father is much more laid-back and won’t abuse the privilege. — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026 On the Florida Panhandle in a region known as the Forgotten Coast, Gulf County serves as an ideal spot for a laid-back, uncrowded family beach vacation in the Sunshine State. — Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laid-back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laid-back
  1. casual
  2. mellow
  3. unaffected
  4. nonchalant
  5. easygoing
  6. informal
  7. flexible
  8. affable
Adjective
  • New visa rules for Australia and Japan Australia has long been popular with backpackers and young people looking to see the world and pick up casual work.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Maybe plan on spending more than $20 for a casual lunch in the year 2026.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of casual
Adjective
  • High, Lonesome and Then Some, released in October 2025, had been a sonic experiment in slow, mellow country melodies.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Writers demand all kinds of different styles in their music; some want instrumental, some don’t mind lyrics, some want mellow classical while others want heavy metal or some other kind of driving beat.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mellow
Adjective
  • The league said its review of Cooper’s conduct for potential violation of its personal conduct policy after a pair of domestic violence arrests in June remains ongoing and is unaffected by Cooper’s status change.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Researchers have long wondered why some people develop these reactions while others seem to skate by unaffected.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of unaffected
Adjective
  • Off-duty models stepped out in nonchalant style, pairing the jeans with basic tops and simple belts, while fashion show attendees elevated the laidback fits with button-down denim shirts, neckties and colorful knitwear.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Just a rugged man in a stream There is, of course, nothing nonchalant about the exchange.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of nonchalant
Adjective
  • And this ensemble—made up of a featherweight turtleneck, a thicker wool sweater, and easygoing trousers—should get you through your day as comfortably as possible.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 20 Oct. 2026
  • And the fact that Langley seems easygoing and laid-back almost in reverse proportion to the stir around her is part of the appeal.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of easygoing
Adjective
  • In an office, the two of them would likely have crossed paths, enabling an informal mentoring relationship.
    — Lynn Godfrey, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Around a third of young Africans are employed in informal roles in the agricultural sector.
    — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of informal
Adjective
  • This collaborative work delivers a new chemical strategy for fabricating high-performance flexible perovskite modules in China.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Faster decisions and more flexible production can let brands commit to holding less stock, replenish the hits that sell, and avoid some of the markdowns and unsold inventory that are routinely baked into seasonal forecasting.
    — Jessica Binns, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of flexible
Adjective
  • Six Senses’ affable and attentive CEO Neil Jacobs was floating around greeting both staff and guests by name, which fits neatly with the welcoming, communal spirit of the place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • When the boyish, affable congressman became the first Latino lawmaker appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee in his second term, national outlets took notice.
    — Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of affable

Browse Nearby Words

laid away
laid-back
laid-backness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Laid-back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laid-back. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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