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 Why marine microbes ignore PLA Marine bacteria aren’t universally equipped to break down plastics. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025 La Llorona’s tears can’t be ignored. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2025 At some point, the truth becomes impossible to ignore. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025 Mothers are simultaneously revered and ignored in many ways. Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore
Verb
  • Mary, Viola's second-eldest, devoted her life to ensuring that her mother and her cause would not be forgotten.
    Emma George-Griffin, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.
    Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ole Miss’s narrow escape cost it a position in the US LBM Coaches Poll, but all will be forgiven if the Rebels survive their next two assignments on the road.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The whole point of the conversation is forgiven by who?
    Leia Mendoza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Any naysaying about the $130 million-$140 million risk of Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed A CinemaScore Leonardo DiCaprio movie One Battle After Another underperforming can be disregarded, as Warners was able to afford that audacious auteur swing.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Fujie also published a newsletter arguing that the encouraged phone limitation was not based on scientific evidence and disregarded the rights of children and young residents.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • On May 4, the legendary midnight blue carriages will travel south from Paris toward Pompeii and onward to the clifftop sanctuary of Caruso, a hotel also owned by Belmond, which overlooks the Amalfi Coast.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2025
  • This charming flat sits within the 17th-century wing of a historic home built on the site of Saint Comgall’s Monastery, overlooking the River Bann.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ensign, who had neglected to check the tides before entering the harbor, immediately reported his failure to his superiors, who fired him and hauled him before a court-martial.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Directors of a Texas funeral home are accused of neglecting bodies found decomposing in their mortuary without working air conditioning, authorities say.
    Mike Stunson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At Sedona Aura Photos, two photos of you (face/body) along with a 22-page report will explain your energies, chakras, state of body and mind and more.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Despite taking place at the White House, the actress explained how the film is not meant to reflect current political times but, instead, raises questions about who holds authority over nuclear weapons.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ayton doesn’t have to reach the stardom that people once heaped upon him to justify the Lakers’ signing.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The president has cited protests outside Portland’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility to justify the callups of troops in the deep blue city.
    Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Actors like Andrew Garfield, Chloë Sevigny and Brian Cox have spoken out against their peers who use Method to excuse their own bad behavior.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Plumlee, who had been excused from Monday’s media day activities for personal reasons, has continued to be absent from practice this week and hasn’t spoken about his second tour of duty with Charlotte yet.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ignore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignore. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignore

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