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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
That case requires a public official claiming defamation to prove the defendant knew their statement was false at the time or demonstrated reckless disregard of its falsity, a standard known as actual malice. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 June 2026 This shows a blatant disregard for the integrity of our borders. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026
Verb
From Montesquieu’s perspective, polarization worsens this appetite for disregarding constitutional norms. Robert A. Ballingall, The Conversation, 2 July 2026 Reporters disregarded that request in their questions for Iran's head coach, Amir Ghalenoei. Callie Fin, USA Today, 26 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 likely architect of that plot was Lyonel’s own scheming son, Larys, whom Simon openly despised.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • During Season 10, a newly confident Batula — who seemed to despise Cooke from the first minute of the premiere episode — appeared to be poised to launch a triumphant post-divorce arc, free at last from Cooke’s belittlement and verbal abuse.
    Kate Aurthur, Variety, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Instead of going home that night, Wilber found himself back in bed 23 of the detention center — his bond denied — trying to ignore a nasty odor permeating his 14-person cell.
    Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • Kennedy plans to ignore such noise in the lead-up to the draft.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • There’s something about us that is, God forgive us, that evolved to enjoy that.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Perhaps the Lakers faithful will never forgive him for his role in the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade that set the organization back for years.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Sly and the Family Stone would join those bands on the charts soon enough, but their debut was released just after the Summer of Love to public indifference.
    Al Shipley, SPIN, 7 July 2026
  • Fairbanks then walked Max Muncy, who moved to second on defensive indifference, and Heim delivered a two-run single.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Hard to say, because Rob Rausch’s Traitors domination is hard to forget.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 8 July 2026
  • And don’t forget that hoarders are the quiet heroes of society.
    Shivali H. Patra, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, with attendance at Latin Mass topping 4,000, the SSPX built a 1,500-seat, $42 million church high on its campus overlooking the tranquil town.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
  • But each is easy to overlook — partly because the consequences of neglect can take decades to surface.
    Matthew T. Drake, Fortune, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • But in the era of dating apps − essentially another form of social media − the nonchalance with which so many approach dating has gotten out of hand.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • Max Cady should be an unsettling interruption, a man who undermines our ideas of right and wrong through his nonchalance about his own wickedness; here, the most unsettling thing about him are those teal contact lenses.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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