disregard 1 of 2

disregard

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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
Why would something this delicious be treated with such disregard? Eddie Huang, Curbed, 8 Sep. 2025 Packer was charged with one count of animal attack resulting from owner's disregard for human life, a felony, the spokesperson said. Jessie Dimartino, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
After being disregarded during a question about the Black Lives Matter movement, Ayo Edebiri handled the exclusion most graciously— and answered the question anyway. Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Ayala plainly accused Johnson of disregarding the city's police officers, saying the mayor only cares when there's a camera in front of him or when an officer is injured or killed in the line of duty. Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • While the jeans radiate casualness with their loose fit, the pointy-toe boots with mini heels add sophistication to the outfit.
    Emma Mehl, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe your coworker has an upcoming presentation to senior leadership or your friend despises mushrooms.
    Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This absence — of God, of love, of plain community spirit — is a metaphor for the whole parish, where everyone is defined by their own lacks and deficiencies, the weaknesses that cause Wicks to despise them and vow to bring down them all.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That many in the media have ignored the unit’s rise is an indictment.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Amid all its glorious and aesthetic architecture lies the massive environmental impact that cannot be ignored.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If a Manchester United fan missed this game (good call, by the way) and just looked at the post-match stats, they could be forgiven for thinking their boys put up a decent display.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Our lives are a tenuous balance between living in the world—embracing it—and living in fear of its lethality and indifference.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Many of the deaths were preventable and due to a combination of staff incompetence and cruel indifference.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Neither will forget what Harbaugh did late in the blowout, when going for two points after a touchdown instead of kicking a PAT to signal everything was A-OK between the two.
    Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t forget meds, food, clean ID tags, and anything else your dog might need on the trip.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • High-end Japanese restaurant chain ROKA opened a branch at the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum this summer, where guests can enjoy ROKA’s signature dishes, and some bespoke new creations, at an outdoor restaurant overlooking Paradise Bay.
    Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Room Essentials Satin Quilt Don’t overlook Target’s exclusive brand, Room Essentials, when shopping for bedding.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Austen’s original, however, the point isn’t just to consider the heroine’s and hero’s attitudes toward dirt, from Elizabeth’s nonchalance to Darcy’s attraction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Never too retro, never too futuristic — these perfect day-to-night shades will add a touch of French nonchalance to any outfit.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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