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
How much of today’s societal collapse and atomization can be attributed to the blatant disregard for shame by what Foxworth called optimization culture? — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2026 Paxton survived an impeachment trial in 2023 over allegations of bribery, dereliction of duty and disregard of official duties. — Zak Hudak, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
But jury nullification gives them the power to disregard those instructions. — Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026 When one team member continually disregards the person responsible for leading the team, everyone else is watching. — Laura Muirhead, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 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
  • But whereas The Holdovers’s Paul Hunham despises his lazy, pampered students, The Debut’s Jerry Blankenbuehler has a determination to summon theatrical magic out of his meager cast.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026
  • One of the eternally weird things about the genre is how the first-wave British legends still despise the term and refuse to be associated with it, even though it’s been decades since anyone used it as a pejorative.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Computer science student Jack Zemke was getting nowhere despite sending out hundreds of job applications that mostly disappeared into the void — ignored.
    — Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • On top of that, Elektrek reported racist graffiti and swastikas regularly appeared in high-traffic areas, which Tesla management simply ignored.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Deputy County Counsel Keith Floyd told the board there must be a reasonable cause, beyond taxpayer’s control, to forgive the penalty.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The plea agreement the prosecution offered no doubt has something to do with the fact Nantambu’s attorney said this month that his client had forgiven Brown and no longer wanted to participate in the prosecution.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Only Smith reached base, on a walk, and advanced to third on defensive indifference.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Heart of the Beast takes that to its end point by stripping away not just other genders but other people, leaving just James, his furry companion, and the beautiful indifference of nature.
    — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When a purchase has genuine meaning, the emotional value can endure long after the financial transaction is forgotten.
    — Anna Vladimirova, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Gen either forgets or ignores the request, so Kat has to do it herself.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That contradiction is harder to overlook in Lee’s latest tale of immigrant striving, American Hagwon.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Ashford Castle, overlooking Lough (lake) Corrib in the Irish county of Mayo, has been around since the year 1228, but don’t go expecting an old-fashioned experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • There’s still the nonchalance, the feeling of being all-powerful that many teenagers have.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Their nonchalance about potential Social Security cuts further indicates reduced reliance on such benefits.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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