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
The system forces them to disregard sportsmanship and respect. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026 The lawsuit alleges that Abrazo staff displayed a conscious disregard for Kaelen’s physical safety and well-being. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
The plan also totally disregards the historical and religious sites in the Strip. Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026 Then, as Musk has been prone to do, the former presidential adviser disregarded much of his previous explanation and said that building a civilization on Mars was still an option, just that building on the Moon is SpaceX’s current priority. Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • The service The staff does an excellent job of balancing the refinement of a luxurious resort with a sense of casualness.
    Asonta Benetti, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Hunter saw the logic in Ake’s casualness, which as the head of a learning institution projects a warmth and informality that brings her down to earth for her unseasoned cadets.
    Scott Huver, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The aide, Colonel Dave Butler, a former infantry officer, is a longtime leader in Army public affairs (not a specialty Hegseth embraces) who worked closely with the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley (whom Hegseth despises).
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Liberal Democrats who despised Daley as a corrupt big-city boss hailed Jackson as a hero.
    Johanna Neuman, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Visiting boats moor in the bay but keep to the far side, close enough to admire and distant enough to ignore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
  • And, presumably, she’s ignored that.
    R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • That’s no longer the case, so you would be forgiven for attaching more importance to the small-scale appeal of this adaptation of Irish author Bernard MacLaverty’s 2017 novel.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
  • That principle was used by the court to block Biden's attempt to forgive $400 billion in student loan debt.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • And with the proliferation of small presses and the ascendance of self publishing as viable, if less expeditious or prestigious strategies for writers, even the indifference of mainstream publishers is not always the final word.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
  • When told that Montreal is now the new official Guinness titleholder, though, Pavlopoulos expressed cool indifference, pointing out that therein lies a key difference in the tale of two cities.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Her contributions to the students and staff will not be forgotten.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Your courage in facing long lines of federal officers, your willingness to shout in our name, and your refusal to hide your grief and anger, all of this will not be forgotten.
    Kenety S. Gee, Twin Cities, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If that feels too buzzy, make your way up to the 14th floor, where the Living Room, overlooking the spectacular outdoor pool, is a hush-hush hangout only accessible to hotel guests.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Feb. 2026
  • More diverse voices, once overlooked in beauty, including Black women and other women of color, as well as the LGBTQ+ community, flourished during the era.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Its narrator performs a hazy nonchalance toward death and redemption.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Fans reminded Mendes that her significant other is in fact a Hollywood stud, despite her nonchalance to the fact.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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