neglect 1 of 2

Definition of neglectnext
1
as in disrepair
the state of being unattended to or not cared for for years the barn sat in neglect until one day it finally fell down

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action your ongoing neglect of your health is going to land you in the hospital someday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

neglect

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglect distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of neglect are disregard, forget, ignore, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When could disregard be used to replace neglect?

In some situations, the words disregard and neglect are roughly equivalent. However, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When would forget be a good substitute for neglect?

While the synonyms forget and neglect 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

When is ignore a more appropriate choice than neglect?

The words ignore and neglect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is it sensible to use overlook instead of neglect?

The synonyms overlook and neglect are sometimes interchangeable, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

In what contexts can slight take the place of neglect?

The meanings of slight and neglect largely overlap; however, 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 neglect
Noun
Since 2023, Washington state law dictates that if a young person staying in a shelter seeks gender-affirming or reproductive care, the shelter does not have to notify their parents if there’s a fear of parental abuse or neglect. Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 June 2026 That clashed with the law that established the FTC in 1914, when Congress said commissioners could only be removed for inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Verb
Yet no branch of science has debunked the idea that humans are neglecting lots of opportunities for ingesting animals. David Merritt Johns, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 Sam neglects the standards of his profession to protect women who Cady could hurt, especially someone like Sam’s virginal teen daughter, Dani. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for neglect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglect
Noun
  • Nearly a year ago, CBS Colorado reported on the home, which had sat vacant for more than six years while falling into severe disrepair.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Rowland remained fond of Aurora and stepped in to fund the restoration of several buildings that had fallen into disrepair in the early aughts.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • In other words, if that water heater explodes, then the investor will be personally sued for negligence in not replacing it, and the liability shield of the real property company is thus circumvented.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The passengers are accusing Delta of negligence, negligence per se and a violation of the Montreal Convention.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Aaron Morris of San Francisco wanted to make sure the match would be one his father, Pancho, would never forget.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Then, just as suddenly, the din fades away, the focus shifts and the election process is forgotten until the next round of howling protest.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • From 1994 to 2018, Mexico failed to win a World Cup knockout game and, in 2022, failed to advance past the group stage — its worst showing at a World Cup since 1978.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • According to Castillo, one of the most significant failures has been the tendency to treat many squatter complaints as civil disputes rather than criminal investigations.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Neglect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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