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
Experts blame the high toll on unsafe vehicles, widespread disregard for traffic regulations and inadequate emergency services. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026 Hydra Head Records may have been built on handshakes, artistic freedom and a healthy disregard for conventional genre boundaries, but keeping the thing running was considerably messier. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
China criticized Lai’s speech, accusing him of disregarding facts and misleading the public. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 Attorneys for the Wilton Rancheria have argued that the 2017 agreement explicitly said the tribe’s code would govern labor relations at the casino, and disregarding that labor code would disregard the tribe’s sovereignty. — Sacbee.com, 8 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
  • For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • For example, Scalia famously cast the deciding vote in 1989 to hold unconstitutional a law criminalizing burning the American flag despite being a big patriot and despising such activities.
    — Brian Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There is so much going on in all of our lives but far too much beauty in this world to ignore.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Many structures are built with substandard materials and safety regulations are frequently ignored to reduce costs.
    — Riaz Khan, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Season one struggled to incorporate all of those elements of Lee without either forgiving or betraying his flaws.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The technique is simple, the result is visible and the cut list is forgiving.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Then again, the creature’s indifference suggests there may be no deeper meaning available.
    — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The reason is not indifference; no brand team believes the pharmacy is unimportant.
    — Harshit Jain, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • And don't forget the phones belonging to parents or older relatives.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gone but not forgotten Tributes from friends and colleagues have poured in across the Internet since Gray’s death was announced.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rooms New Paltz Way’s rooms are a balance of airy minimalism and natural textures, most with access to balconies that overlook the lush, leafy Rail Trail in the town of New Paltz.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Do not overlook the impact of any financial windfalls, either.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • There’s something quietly captivating and a little uncomfortable about the pavement snaps of girlhood; some teens accompanied by mothers, others affecting nonchalance, or standing on their hands to get attention.
    — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There’s still the nonchalance, the feeling of being all-powerful that many teenagers have.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster