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
Jurors found that Grossman and Erickson both acted with conscious disregard for the boys' safety and malice, thereby awarding punitive damages in the wrongful death lawsuit. Julie Sharp, CBS News, 10 June 2026 Blanche, his former personal lawyer, concocted it in staggering disregard of legal ethics. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 June 2026
Verb
Alabama later ended the ability of a judge to disregard a jury’s sentencing decision in death penalty cases. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026 Cook believes that the speech could, for instance, empower a white sergeant to overlook the work of his Black private, or a white captain to disregard the contributions of his Black lieutenant. Clint Smith, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • She would have been floored by the casualness that has seeped into society today, from wearing pajamas on flights to sweatpants to dinner.
    Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 14 June 2026
  • Seydoux also approaches her beauty with a quintessentially French casualness.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The philosopher and theologian David Bentley Hart says that Christianity brought a moral revolution to a world that assessed a person’s value based on things such as birth, class, and power, where the weak were despised.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Beloved actor Ron Perlman fully leans into trying to make the contestants fail this task by forcing eye contact, asking them polite questions, rebuking their bad manners in ignoring him, and even doggedly getting into their personal space.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • As Coley and Sonya begin arguing about a mutual attraction that’s become impossible to ignore, their dynamic finally grows some teeth.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The boredom was instantly forgiven.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
  • Hussain might normally have been forgiven wanting to concentrate on the men’s Test series against New Zealand, or the start of their own white-ball matches against India.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 13 June 2026
Noun
  • But it has rarely been managed with such apparent indifference to its own contradictions.
    Shirvin Zeinalzadeh, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
  • This is a distortion of the law, and a display of callous indifference to the tragedies that moved Congress to pass the Refugee Act.
    Elizabeth Holtzman, Time, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Macron forgets his watch Macron appeared to leave behind his watch after eating lunch with several other world leaders.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026
  • Don't forget a thick slice of crusty bread on the side to soak up all the flavor.
    Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Not to be overlooked on the first floor is the home office.
    James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026
  • But significant reshoots were reportedly needed after it was discovered that a legal agreement had been overlooked that prevented Chandler from being depicted in a movie.
    Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 14 June 2026
Noun
  • Wide-leg denim has the kind of nonchalance that conveys relaxed elegance.
    Selene Oliva, Glamour, 12 June 2026
  • The case for the Spurs – In this era of chronic nonchalance, Wembanyama’s willingness to care, cry, celebrate and give a darn is downright endearing.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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