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
Our communities have suffered because of their cruelty and disregard for humanity and justice. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 Throughout the nearly monthlong trial, the family’s legal team sought to depict Jones as an out-of-control officer, whose recklessness and disregard for police practices had brought about the girl’s death. Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Verb
In it, Hayek cautioned against the growing intellectual and political notions that disregarded liberty in favor of central planning of economic affairs. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 May 2026 Trump has instituted a pay-to-play system for his allies and unilaterally started wars while disregarding Congress’s authority as a coequal branch of government. Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • Seydoux also approaches her beauty with a quintessentially French casualness.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 18 May 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Nearly half of Americans despise them, seeing the wealthy as the beneficiaries of a corrupt system who got rich at their expense.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 13 May 2026
  • The goddess Hera — who despised Heracles — later set the crab in the heavens in the form of the constellation Cancer as a reward for its bravery.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Washington continued to ignore them in the recent campaign.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
  • Even the wokest of the wokes are ignoring poor Megan.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • In the 95th minute of what was effectively a dead rubber for Leeds, their striker might be forgiven for switching off or going through the motions.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Pool service can be a bit slow during busy times, but once your perfectly prepared daiquiri arrives, all is forgiven.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
Noun
  • And settler violence has surged to frightening levels amid the paralysis and indifference of the police force.
    Avi Issacharoff, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026
  • Huxley might easily have written a simpler novel glorifying intellectuals while mocking Stoyte’s greed and indifference to suffering.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
Verb
  • My writing group forgot my birthday.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 May 2026
  • Caregivers remembered him not as a forgotten man, but as someone impossible to forget.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026
Verb
  • For a family or small-group getaway, the airy luxury villa boasts two king-size bedrooms, a sofa bed in the living room, and an outdoor deck with a jacuzzi overlooking the lagoon.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
  • This naïve view tended to overlook the searing violence of the ‘Cold’ War, and the ever-increasing inequality between nations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • The internet loves accidental fashion show cameo Handley's little misadventure soon went viral, with viewers across the world loving his nonchalance and reaction to being in the middle of a fashion show.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 13 May 2026
  • The former sent out an oversized black and white polka dot skirt—a wink to the retro print—styled with a textured top and gladiator sandals, while Dries Van Noten’s red and white abstract set evoked Mediterranean nonchalance.
    Minty Mellon, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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