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

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
But hopefully outrage over years of mismanagement culminating with gross disregard for taxpayers will help motivate the effort. The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 3 Mar. 2026 We should all be concerned that the only efficiency DOGE delivered was deeper mistrust and disregard for those who keep our most fundamental systems running. John Atkinson, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
On Monday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said at the TD Cowen healthcare conference that Prasad has been disregarding the advice of the FDA’s scientists. Ian Thomas, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026 Lentz was returned to his job following a six-month suspension without pay for disregarding orders to take the post down. Gloria Casas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • There’s a real casualness with Robby.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
  • If empires could assign names to vast mountain ranges—Hindu Kush, from the Persian kushtan, to kill—with administrative casualness, as if naming could override geological fact, why not render those summits as battered cookware?
    Anel Rakhimzhanova, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq is listed as a terrorist organization by Iran and is widely despised inside the country.
    Farah N. Jan, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2026
  • This poses a challenge for people like me who get cold easily, but also despise the feeling of overheating due to over-layering.
    Harry Spampinato, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Atlanta's plan to protect human rights during the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing criticism from a coalition of community organizations that say the city ignored their input while developing the framework.
    Christopher Harris, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Netflix has largely ignored the format that dominates the phone of anyone under 35.
    Max Cutler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The authority owes the city $8 million, which the city has committed to forgive if the changes at the property are done responsibly.
    Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The gym too is stylishly designed—with hemlock floors and forgiving lights—and the fitness equipment is up-to-date, if unfortunately not sourced from Olympus itself.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • At the George offices, Berman loses it once and for all at John’s lateness, his indifference to the daily operations of the magazine, and his hardheaded refusal to consider the TV show.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Leslie Hairston, a former City Council colleague of Preckwinkle’s whose South Side ward abutted hers, said Preckwinkle’s scholarly disposition shouldn’t be mistaken for indifference.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • So forget shady characters, or fake websites.
    Dave Lieber Mar. 11, Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Don’t forget to wash the colander afterward.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • An open-plan living and dining area centers the house, while each ensuite bedroom opens to its own balcony overlooking the coast.
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The main restaurant unfolds across a wraparound deck overlooking an area for fireside dinners and performances by traditional Venda dancers and drummers, but there are plenty of opportunities to dine in the bush.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Or the poet’s haplessness or your husband’s nonchalance.
    Addie Citchens, New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Like almost every idea expressed in the film, it’s stated casually, with the nonchalance that naturally accompanies cailles aux raisins and Amaretto.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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