disregard 1 of 2

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
Michelle comes across as an outright villain at first, talking almost exclusively in chilly, insincere corporate speak and treating her employees with passive-aggressive disregard. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025 This apparent disregard for his commitments surprised many, including some of his dedicated fans. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
Attorneys for Hencely alleged that Fluor disregarded the military’s instructions. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 One source describes the project as not a reboot, but rather a sequel that would disregard the events of the third movie. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • Besides, that gives a bit of camaraderie and casualness to exudes fun, rather than stress.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
  • With all, the charm lies in that tension between formality and casualness.
    Alex Sales, Glamour, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump supporters despised him, while some Democrats embraced him — if reluctantly — and still many others would always condemn him as a war criminal for his role in Iraq.
    Don Gonyea, NPR, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Both brothers despise their father, for good reason.
    Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The same is true of Guiteau’s eventual imprisonment and trial, which aren’t ignored but barely touch on the wackiness that actually ensued.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Nov. 2025
  • There were extremely rich philosophical traditions in the non-Western world that your great books classes completely ignore.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even amid a government shutdown, so much is happening in Washington, at such a rapid clip and such a high pitch, that a browser of The New York Times’ homepage could be forgiven for giving up and clicking straight through to Spelling Bee.
    Erik Adams, The Atlantic, 9 Nov. 2025
  • You'd be forgiven for being a little sick of A Christmas Story, Bob Clark's beloved tale about 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) and the Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle he so fiercely desires.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Filed in May 2023, the Schuck family’s lawsuit accused jail staff of negligence and deliberate indifference to their son’s medical needs.
    Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2025
  • When companies back away from inclusion, audiences interpret it as indifference.
    Kimberly S. Reed, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • No more having to wait for the preheat temperature or worrying about forgetting to set it.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Rustin ran his hand over his own neck and forgot his mission.
    George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • While maintaining a healthy weight plays a role in mitigating cardiovascular and diabetes risk, the measurement alone overlooks the importance of muscle as a predictor of healthy aging and longevity.
    Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The iconic 12th century Ajloun Castle overlooks rolling hills and olive groves, with dramatic panoramas and drone-friendly views.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • As the band, featuring a few American jazz artists, struck up the easy, bluesy opening chords, a surprise guest singer seemed to be all about adopting Frank Sinatra’s Vegas nonchalance.
    Martin Schram, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
  • These from Jenni Kayne carry the designer’s signature Californian nonchalance with a frayed edge.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.

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