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
That last item points to Trump’s disregard for the niceties of government procedure. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026 Trump and his people operated under the kind of paranoia and callous disregard for military and civilian lives that have characterized the president’s time in office. Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
The other was filed by Bonta, who said that Bianco blatantly disregarded his authority as attorney general. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Ellison says that email was sent to the company's firearms compliance team, but a team member admitted to disregarding the email in a deposition. Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Verb
  • Hate him, despise him, be jealous of his wealth, but support his efforts to destroy Iran and hopefully end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The zombies despise water and are connected to a lab experiment that involves chimps (the special effects get a bit iffy there).
    Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has denied accusations that the government ignored warnings about an impending mass border crossing from Morocco to the enclave of Ceuta.
    Jack Guy, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The numbers are impossible to ignore, while Boteli’s bustling physical profile — two-footed, quick, and comfortable through the middle or out wide — means that a move to Europe’s top five leagues will soon be on the cards.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Those visitors might have been forgiven for wondering what a building that looked like the Starship Enterprise had to do with national self-determination.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Any remaining eligible balance may be forgiven after 25 years of qualifying payments.
    Maya Benjamin,Dan Avery, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The building at the excavation was previously thought to have served as a prison, due to the shoddiness of its construction and its indifference to aesthetics.
    Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Yet Jocelyne keeps hitting a wall of indifference from the military and authorities.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Targets have included The New York Times in 1968, Cosmopolitan in 1972 — who can forget that sizzling hot Henry Kissinger centerfold?
    Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Those runs could have been quickly forgotten if Lauer had gotten back on track.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Travel gear deals While the bigger-ticket Labor Day weekend deals come in the form of flights and hotels, don't overlook retail sales.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Many of the 76 rooms and suites include private terraces overlooking Gran Via with the upper floor rooms facing the ornate gold dome of the Metropolis, one of Madrid’s most famous buildings.
    Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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