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Definition of disregardnext

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
Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts supporting that fiction have exhibited a complete and utter reckless disregard for the truth. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026 Wolff’s blatant disregard of hunting and fishing laws, including earlier incidents that led to his hunting and fishing licenses being revoked, was well known by local residents and law enforcement officers. David Zeug, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
On rare occasions the selection of award recipients has also served as a critique of public policy and institutional practices that have disregarded scientific evidence or been grounded in unscientific reasoning. Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Aug. 2026 The judge denied the mistrial motion, siding with the prosecution that the jury will be told to disregard the comments on Clancy’s faith. Nbc News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • The painting’s joyful casualness belies its subject matter, clues to which can be found in the coyote on one of the men’s shirts and in the work’s title, Uncle’s Crossing (2022).
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
  • For most, though, the dress is business casual, matching the growing casualness of their behavior in the box over the course of long sessions.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hate him, despise him, be jealous of his wealth, but support his efforts to destroy Iran and hopefully end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The zombies despise water and are connected to a lab experiment that involves chimps (the special effects get a bit iffy there).
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, the human element can’t be ignored, but the NBA is a business.
    Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • But for now, let’s all giggle at how fully Naheim ignored Bryan when going to congratulate Jude.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • More gummies than grizzlies, the Bears will likely be overly forgiving in myriad areas — especially defending the pass.
    Brad Evans, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Vertiv shares are up a Micron-like 1043% over the past five years, so investors might be forgiven for profit taking.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The reason most teams stop there is not indifference as much as compromise.
    Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Activists fused mourning and militance, fighting against indifference to the lives of gay men and, later, people of color and intravenous drug users.
    Robert W. Snyder, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tamayo socialized and temporarily forgot what awaited at home.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, WWD reflects on the lives and lasting impact of a day no one, including the fashion industry, will forget.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • It may be overlooked, considering how comfortable Suzuki appears when carrying out Unai Emery’s ploy of his backline baiting an opponent’s press, but at Parma, he was required to kick mostly long.
    Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Washington did grow, and for years tourists and residents flocked to the Capitol’s wide terrace overlooking the National Mall, especially at sunset.
    Philip Kennicott, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Their nonchalance about potential Social Security cuts further indicates reduced reliance on such benefits.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a Moon alert, which lightens the feelings of all your social exchanges and encourages a carefree nonchalance to everything.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 11 Sep. 2026.

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