BRUSHING (ASIDE OR OFF) Synonyms: 36 Similar and Opposite Words

brushing (aside or off)

verb

present participle of brush (aside or off)

as in ignoring

to dismiss as of little importance brushed off their complaints as the whining of people who were never satisfied

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for brushing (aside or off)

Verb

The suspect allegedly attempted to flee again by jumping fences and ignoring the officers’ commands to stop, but was apprehended and placed in custody.

— Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 July 2026
Sometimes they’re manipulated into ignoring or suppressing their suspicions.

— Juliet Linderman, Fortune, 16 July 2026

Definition of ignoring

Verb

The unique building overlooking the bay is being offered for sale for the first time in decades.

— Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026
In recent years, with attendance at Latin Mass topping 4,000, the SSPX built a 1,500-seat, $42 million church high on its campus overlooking the tranquil town.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Definition of overlooking

Verb

The center of Super Typhoon Bavi, the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane, was passing over Rota, an island of 2,000 people in the Northern Mariana Islands.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Subtle audio tracks the sound of ice on the move, views of clouds passing over glass-like ice, and there's the eventual memorial for Ok.

— Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026

Definition of passing over

Verb

Carpino retired in April, without ever explaining what was not right in the organization or, based on the standings, repairing it.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
The traditional experience requires waiting on hold, explaining the situation and hoping an agent can help.

— Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

Definition of explaining

Verb

But many residents worry that the festive mood and infrastructure works risk papering over the security crisis that still affects their daily lives.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 June 2026
The improvement between Gemini 2 and Gemini 3 may be papering over a more serious flaw.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 8 Apr. 2026

Definition of papering over

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brushing (aside or off)

brushing (off)

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“Brushing (aside or off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brushing%20%28aside%20or%20off%29. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of brushing (aside or off)

verb

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