disregard 1 of 2

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
The one constant is the absolute disregard for expertise that’s apparent in virtually every single example. Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 The disregard for women’s sports is not a new struggle for anyone who has followed or fought for women’s sports before. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
But the agreement was largely disregarded within weeks, as each side repeatedly accused the other of violating its terms. Kevin Breuninger,sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Spencer is Emmy-nominated for narrating the true crime Lost Women docuseries, which gives voice to murdered and disregarded women. Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • The key to not looking too bundled up is to add a layer that offsets the casualness of the others.
    Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026
  • Now my mother and I sometimes talk about Hương; never directly, but with a casualness that, too, seems like a gift.
    Thao Thai, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Those of us who despise Trumpism too rarely asked ourselves whether Trump’s efforts to conceal an apparently consensual relationship with Stormy Daniels were the proper grounds for prosecution.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, this 54-year-old Southern Californian began dealing with acid reflux, random bloating, constipation, and a rebelling digestive system that suddenly despised her favorite foods.
    Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • DeGravelles, who is based in Louisiana where Mohammed had been held, said harsher sanctions would be warranted if his orders continued to go ignored.
    CBS Baltimore Staff, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Lúcia added the Maria da Penha law needed updating because violence against women in Brazil is also a matter of power and as many femicides take place out of women’s homes in situations that are reported to police but ignored.
    Mauricio Savarese, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Despite the trauma, Ashton Spears chose to forgive his father.
    Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The relentless pace of Line Sheet is forgiving for its author.
    Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • That was the Cubs’ only runner in scoring position until a defensive indifference allowed Seiya Suzuki to advance to second after a two-out walk in the ninth.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Twenty-seven percent showed indifference, however, possibly demonstrating that most voters would be fine supporting them in a general election, said Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As if things weren’t already bleak, Milwaukee was gifted its 21st run after Julio Rodríguez forgot how many outs there were in the bottom of the eighth.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Now Centennial has one of the best running backs in the state in Malaki Davis, plus Mater Dei transfer Kennie Leggett, so Drake starts his senior year pretty much forgotten and on the bench.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Participants can inquire about renting an entire house or a single room, and all have access to a fully outfitted co-working space with common areas, meeting rooms, and a terrace overlooking the valley.
    Liz Provencher, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Monitoring their shifts shows that fast solar development degrades critical vegetation and food sources, threatening local biodiversity in ways other metrics often overlook.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Their nonchalance about potential Social Security cuts further indicates reduced reliance on such benefits.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s a Moon alert, which lightens the feelings of all your social exchanges and encourages a carefree nonchalance to everything.
    Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on disregard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster