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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
Paxton survived an impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery, dereliction of duty and disregard of official duties. Zak Hudak, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Her credulousness has actually served Fox as a legal defense, since a person has to know a statement was false or show reckless disregard for the truth in order to be held liable for defamation. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
The third juror told O’Connell the holdout juror disregarded certain information some of his fellow panelists – nurses among them – provided about Clancy’s toxicology report. Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026 The e-bike disregarded the stop sign and struck the Cadillac, police said. Joe Brandt, CBS News, 6 Sep. 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
  • And Hadl, who both was an assistant coach and later an administrator at KU, not to mention one of the greatest KU players of all time, also despised the Tigers.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
  • By the end, Moreno was as despised by his fanbase as any owner in baseball.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • South Korea shifted to a softer tone under current liberal President Lee Jae Myung, but North Korea has so far ignored Lee's calls to resume diplomacy.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Dwindling visitor traffic and exhibitor numbers — and rising prices per square foot — can no longer be ignored at ready-to-wear, footwear and accessories trade shows around the world.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • But although the young crew have strong voices and deliver pretty harmonies, the pop performances sound so processed that you could be forgiven for asking if anyone is doing their own singing.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The scourge of Steve Spurrier Spurrier took too many verbal jabs to list here and took special glee in beating the Dawgs, never forgiving them for beating his Florida Gators in his 1966 senior season, ruining their SEC championship hopes.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Layered within its experimental form is a commentary on immigration and 21st century America, as the family regularly encounters Latinx migrants whose own families have been disrupted by the indifference of American immigration policies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
  • And yes, this does lead her to develop a shocking indifference toward human life.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Silence by artists in the face of genocide and apartheid will not be forgotten.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
  • And don’t forget to carry the one … or many signs to the new building.
    Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And while vegetable dishes can easily be overlooked on a menu like this, order one or two.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Ownership can be overlooked when addressing a reputation issue.
    Scott Keever, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s still the nonchalance, the feeling of being all-powerful that many teenagers have.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Their nonchalance about potential Social Security cuts further indicates reduced reliance on such benefits.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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