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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
The film, based on interviews with 24 anonymous members of Israeli military intelligence and soldiers, accuses Israel of callous disregard for Palestinian civilian life in its war in Gaza. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026 Any choice for or against the work, including the choice of no-choice—of indifference or disregard—confronts the question of authenticity. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
In Congress, Grijalva is preparing legislation to void existing waivers that have allowed DHS to disregard laws designed to protect tribal sovereignty, sacred sites and environmentally sensitive lands. — Ryan Devereaux, ProPublica, 2 Nov. 2026 Meanwhile, in a scathing dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that the Court could not disregard the President’s racist intentions. — Rozina Ali, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 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
  • Unlike Intel, which investors now despise, Amazon said there will be a huge return on its spending beginning in the second half of 2027, when its semiconductor business takes off for massive profitability.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, many voters in his Southern Illinois district despise him.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The bottom line is that no aviation authority will ever ignore a bomb threat, Jeffries said.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Theories abound as to why Beijing has chosen to ignore the warnings.
    — Oliver Melton, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • One would be forgiven for assuming that, as a friend of his joked, Carrère had waited to visit the country until a member of his family was running it.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Acton, who led Ohio’s Covid-19 response, prioritized protecting the accessibility of Medicaid, forgiving medical debt, tackling surprise billing, and creating a new prescription drug plan to lower costs.
    — Sarah Todd, STAT, 4 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • On Monday, Boulder police said 18-year-old Omar Perez of Thornton, Colorado, was arrested on Monday morning and charged with first-degree murder with extreme indifference and assault in the first-degree with extreme indifference.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The goal is pure pleasure, not a statement or message; the worst-case scenario is indifference or mild disappointment—not, say, horror at your fundamental misunderstanding of a long-standing personal relationship.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The image of him and catcher Jerry Grote embracing after the final out in the 1969 World Series will never be forgotten.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • First-time voters who forgot their ID will be required to show an acceptable form of identification, which are listed above.
    — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • La Pajarera sky lounge in the Bless Barcelona overlooks Plaça de Catalunya down towards the sea, and has some of the best sunset views in the city.
    — Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The property is also home to two villas, both of which overlook the on-site golf course, as well as 14 suites within the Spa Mansion.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • His Lieutenant Colonel Nathan Jessep isn’t fooling anyone with the calculated nonchalance and the propensity for quoting Melville and Shakespeare.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • According to the team, Paul exhibits the patience and nonchalance of The Dude, an extremely chill character from the 1998 film The Big Lebowski.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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