shrug off

verb

shrugged off; shrugging off; shrugs off

transitive verb

1

: to shake off

shrugging off sleep

2

: to brush aside : minimize

shrugs off the problem

3

: to remove (a garment) by wriggling out

Synonyms of shrug off

• ignore
• forgive
• overlook
• explain
• pass over
• justify

Examples of shrug off in a Sentence

an administration that was willing to shrug off the problem

she shrugged off her coat and hung it up neatly

Recent Examples on the Web

The mayor shrugged off Plano’s reported discussions with the Stars, calling it competition that doesn’t concern him. —Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Investors are shrugging off the verdicts. —Morgan Lee, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026

As the Middle East conflict reshapes shipping corridors and sparks concerns of fuel costs, FedEx is appearing to shrug off any serious impacts to its business. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 Mar. 2026

Their latest ’fits are pretty much a checklist for airport and traveling fashion, with easily shrugged off layers, comfy bottoms, sensible shoes, and that very cool XXL carry-on—looks that don’t, of course, compromise their personal style. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shrug off

• ashraf
• checkoff
• cutoff
• falloff
• handoff
• kickoff
• layoff
• liftoff
• markoff
• markov
• payoff
• playoff

Kids Definition

shrug off

verb

1

: to brush aside as not important

2

: to take off (a garment) by wriggling out