overlook 1 of 2

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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

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noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Examples of overlook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Investors are overlooking Crane NXT and its long-term earnings potential, according to Baird. Pia Singh, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2024 There’s also a duo of entertaining spaces—one a pool house boasting a spacious dining area, a caterer’s kitchen, a cigar lounge, and two barbecue areas, and the other a sports pavilion with an entertaining space overlooking basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024
Noun
Leave time to pull over at one of the many overlooks on the way to your hike. Katie Linsky Shaw, Southern Living, 6 Sep. 2024 Aside from the single day festival, visitors to the area can enjoy hikes with scenic overlooks, whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers, rock climbing, mountain biking, gorgeous fall foliage and mild temperatures. Michele Herrmann, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overlook 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'overlook.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Thesaurus Entries Near overlook

Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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