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

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 operation is less a challenge to international law than an instance of total disregard for it. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026 If its absence speaks obliquely to the Dadaist disregard for aesthetic permanence, its iconography—and its iconoclastic mordancy—echoes throughout his entire corpus. Ara H. Merjian, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
These examples show that disregarding the risks of natural hazards and climate change in Greenland courts disaster, both locally and globally. Paul Bierman, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 This time, the group contended that San Diego’s supplemental analysis of the visual and neighborhood character impacts of taller buildings, prepared in advance of the 2022 ballot measure, disregarded other consequential environmental factors. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • This is an ideal choice for those looking for a visible change, but with that effortless casualness that never goes out of style.
    María Munsuri, Glamour, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The coffee donut chain is known for doing low-fi ads that pop on social with a tonal casualness to them.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 24 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Those who despise Bacharach’s fluting tunes and David’s simple — if emotive — lyrics, consigning them to often denigrated genres such as easy listening, elevator music, adult contemporary or luxe pop.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Policing women is a byproduct of patriarchy, a system that despises women who dare to embrace individualism, self-expression, and self-autonomy.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Authorities said Sutton ignored multiple commands to comply and resisted detention.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The background checks on Cook, if in fact there were any, were totally ignored.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But with performances like this, he could be forgiven for allowing his thoughts to drift briefly towards the summer in North America.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
  • This is a powerful time to release emotional baggage and forgive yourself for past choices.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The carousel of coordinators has reinforced Hurts’ indifference to how an offense looks — to fans, to foes, to fence-sitters — so long as the Eagles win.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Instead, the general indifference shown toward its own story — or, at least, the best versions of it — comes to emphasize the emptiness at its core.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Don't forget to dust and clean the top of the appliance.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Prep & Savour Heavy-Duty Kitchenware Pan Divider Don’t forget to tackle your kitchen clutter this year.
    Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, don't overlook the kitchen and laundry room, which can also be prone to soap scum.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The ranch overlooks the 5,000-acre Ramona Grasslands Nature Preserve, which is under the stewardship of San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation.
    Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Fans reminded Mendes that her significant other is in fact a Hollywood stud, despite her nonchalance to the fact.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025
  • The French have an innate ability to look impossibly put-together while still exuding an air of nonchalance.
    Gena Kaufman, InStyle, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

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