disregard 1 of 2

Definition of disregardnext

disregard

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disregard distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of disregard are forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

In what contexts can forget take the place of disregard?

The words forget and disregard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When would ignore be a good substitute for disregard?

While the synonyms ignore and disregard are close in meaning, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than disregard?

The words neglect and disregard can be used in similar contexts, but neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

Where would overlook be a reasonable alternative to disregard?

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

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When might slight be a better fit than disregard?

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

slighted several major authors in her survey

How is the word disregard distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of disregard are forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

In what contexts can forget take the place of disregard?

The words forget and disregard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When would ignore be a good substitute for disregard?

While the synonyms ignore and disregard are close in meaning, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than disregard?

The words neglect and disregard can be used in similar contexts, but neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

Where would overlook be a reasonable alternative to disregard?

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

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When might slight be a better fit than disregard?

In some situations, the words slight and disregard are roughly equivalent. 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 disregard
Noun
The suit claims there was failure to restrict access to the operating room, to supervise personnel, and to protect the plaintiff from unauthorized photography, which constitutes negligence and reckless disregard for patient privacy. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2026 Such painful disregard by some of the agency’s more than 4,000 employees has the perception of defining the appropriate actions of their co-workers. Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2026
Verb
Officers issued a man in the driver's seat citations for driving in the left lane in a no-passing zone and disregarding traffic signs and signals. Annasofia Scheve, San Antonio Express-News, 13 Mar. 2026 Hezbollah, the paramilitary group in Lebanon, got involved in the conflict, disregarding the state’s sovereignty and firing missiles and drones from Lebanese territory at an Israeli military site near Haifa. Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • The house did not have a European or East Coast seriousness, but rather a Californian dimension rooted in casualness, improvisation, and lack of pretension.
    Rem Koolhaas, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
  • In beach towns or summer destinations, hats and tank tops can be more about comfort than casualness, prompting some to wonder how consistently the rules can be enforced.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Though Brigitta despises him, Maria shelters him.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Iowans despised slavery, treasured 'radical experiment' Thirteen Iowans died and 141 were wounded in the rout of the Union forces at Wilson's Creek.
    Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This is a youngster in great form and proving hard to ignore.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Some Democrats argue that the cost of ignoring young male voters is higher than the risk of association with Piker.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Now, Billy Ray is reportedly trying to make amends with his family, but Tish isn’t so forgiving.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This moment was a turning point for him — despite his past indifference toward settling down, fatherhood changed him completely.
    Jane LaCroix, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Would a cyberattack that kills people finally shake us out of our indifference?
    Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And don't forget to join the Bake Club Group chat over on Substack.
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • And Gulf citizens aren’t going to forgive and forget.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rooms are in muted tones of grey, green, and dusky blue, and even the smallest have plenty of space with king-size beds and a table and chairs—the city views are more interesting, but the ones overlooking the courtyard have dinky Juliette balconies as a consolation.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
  • The museum’s fourth floor doubles as an event space and features a large terrace that overlooks the bay.
    Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Among many Niger Deltans, there’s a mixture of ignorance, nonchalance, and clenched resignation around the industry’s environmental dangers, which take a back seat as folks get on with the business of everyday survival.
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • As Hüller approaches her father at the keyboard, her anger manifests as a kind of bored nonchalance.
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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