shrug off

verb

shrugged off; shrugging off; shrugs off
Synonyms of shrug offnext

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

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
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.
The Emirates largely shrugged off the economic uncertainty which topped concerns globally. Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 6 Feb. 2026 Karnišovas shrugged off this sudden change in outlook, citing their potential use in trades. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026 Franklin shrugged off the room’s struggles when asked about drops and staff changes in San Francisco. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Feb. 2026 Investment implications For the most part, the stock market has shrugged off this year's alarming headlines, as geopolitical shocks historically have little lasting impact on equities. Sarah Min, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrug off

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrug off was in 1902

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shrug off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrug%20off. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

shrug off

verb
1
: to brush aside as not important
2
: to take off (a garment) by wriggling out
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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