ignore

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ignore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ignore are disregard, forget, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is disregard a more appropriate choice than ignore?

The words disregard and ignore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When could forget be used to replace ignore?

Although the words forget and ignore have much in common, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When can neglect be used instead of ignore?

The synonyms neglect and ignore are sometimes interchangeable, but neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

Where would overlook be a reasonable alternative to ignore?

The words overlook and ignore can be used in similar contexts, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would slight be a good substitute for ignore?

While the synonyms slight and ignore are close in meaning, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

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 ignore Myung-gi ignores the pleas of a player who gets stuck in the bridge’s gap and arrives at the other side with a little over a minute left on the clock. Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 27 June 2025 Yet in California, even though progressives dominate local and state government, the equity argument has long been inexplicably ignored. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025 In reality, Eleanor Mills was largely ignored by the press, who preferred to focus on the entanglements of her upper class paramour. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025 The intent is to trick recipients into ignoring usual government advice as Iranian attacks continue. Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore
Verb
  • And don’t forget to make your cleanup a breeze with this Eufy robot vacuum that’s $230 off for Prime members — the self-emptying machine uses smart technology to detect messy areas and does the cleaning for you.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • And don’t forget the extras—there are some on point, heeled flip-flops and woven bags that truly capture the feel-good mood of summertime ease.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Each of their three goals was well-worked in their own way, pulling Pachuca’s shape apart with such ease that you would be forgiven for thinking Alonso’s side were the ones with the player advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • But even the most committed cinephiles should forgive anyone who averts their gaze from Camp and Wilson’s disastrous misfire.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • The Dalai Lama, however, has said that his successor will be born outside China and has urged his followers to disregard any appointment made by the Chinese Communist Party.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • The Watergate scandal did inspire the creation of the Freedom of Information Act, which Gillett disregards.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The Lowdown The private estate overlooking the Mediterranean was renovated by local architect Luc Svetchine, whose father, André, first restored the buildings 50 years ago.
    Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 22 June 2025
  • The family-run property’s 36 rooms and suites are scattered throughout three homes overlooking the water, and, despite its small size, offers amenities worthy of a larger resort, from the lakeside Boat Bar (a favorite at sunset) to a spa complete with an infrared sauna and body wrap cabin.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2025
Verb
  • Precisely understanding the audience that is in a store is becoming essential, but something retailers often neglect.
    Kevin Rozario, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • The holiday underscores the necessity of vigilance in protecting civil liberties against the constant risk of erosion through political compromise or neglect.
    Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Brad Kirner, director of destination development at Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, explained in the email interview that with tourism making up around 70% of the Cook Islands’ GDP, the border closure due to COVID-19 essentially froze the economy overnight.
    Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • This sterile male technique, previously explained to Newsweek by Texas A&M Professor Phillip Kaufman, works because female screwworm flies mate only once—flooding areas with sterile males prevents successful reproduction.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • In our opinion, this favorable trend justifies an upward revision of its valuation multiple.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The midfielder has arguably had to fight even harder to begin to justify the energy and expense required to bring him to Stamford Bridge two and a half years ago.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • This is what happens when incitement is normalized and hate is excused under the guise of political expression.
    Lisa Katz, New York Daily News, 22 June 2025
  • More covert and implicit behaviors are also easier for abusers to deflect, excuse away, and blame their partner for.
    Maia Niguel Hoskin, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ignore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignore. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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