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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 definition further added that neglect should involve blatant disregard of parental responsibilities resulting in a real, significant and imminent risk of harm to the child. — Jennifer L. Brinkley, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026 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
Verb
Flock Safety is continuing to disregard whether a city cancels a contract or the police chief disables the company’s cameras. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 4 Nov. 2026 But like foreplay, prologues are all too often disregarded, skimmed past on the way to the real stuff. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 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
  • Earlier, Trumpian communication actively excluded, discredited, or ignored these views.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Harrison’s sociological portrait is attuned to the common idea that disaster can quickly become boring—or all too quickly assimilated and ignored.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Viewers tuning in to Gwyneth Paltrow’s new podcast, The Goop Guide, will be forgiven for assuming the show was filmed in a room inside her serene and stylish Montecito home.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Under Iran’s system of qisas, her husband’s family could seek her execution or forgive her in exchange for diya, or blood money.
    — Tanaz Eshaghian, Time, 10 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • That scene was meant to show how easily an animal’s life can be damaged or cast aside by human indifference.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The contrast is on full display—a president who has made international recognition a personal ambition, and a first lady whose apparent indifference to the spotlight may have given her an unexpected advantage in earning that recognition.
    — Anna Rahmanan, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • But Finn, who fought in one of the war’s bloodiest battles, has never forgotten the Marine from Center Point, Iowa, who saved his life twice.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Plus, if you’re headed to a holiday party this year, don’t forget to grab your host a thoughtful gift.
    — Josephine Murphy, NBC news, 11 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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