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as in to neglect
to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness he forgot the pot boiling on the stove

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word forget distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of forget are disregard, ignore, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When can disregard be used instead of forget?

While in some cases nearly identical to forget, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When could ignore be used to replace forget?

The words ignore and forget can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When might neglect be a better fit than forget?

In some situations, the words neglect and forget are roughly equivalent. However, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When would overlook be a good substitute for forget?

Although the words overlook and forget have much in common, overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

Where would slight be a reasonable alternative to forget?

The synonyms slight and forget are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 forget Hoffman’s courage, compassion and commitment to the community will never be forgotten, Grundyson said. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2025 But do not forget to order the beloved DK bacon maple bar. Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025 Performances from more than 40 artists, including headliners Post Malone, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan, along with a variety of food and retail vendors made, for an exciting weekend guests won’t soon forget. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2025 Confirming Logistics with Moving Service Katie Weissert, sales director at Reindeer Logistics, says many people forget to confirm moving day logistics with their relocation service. Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forget
Recent Examples of Synonyms for forget
Verb
  • In two weeks, loan holders will start the process of taking money from the paychecks of borrowers who've missed their payments for 270 days or more.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Early in the fourth quarter, White missed a 3-pointer off the top of the backboard, allowing the Magic to speed forward with the ball.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Yet in a nation where 42 percent of adults live with obesity—a rate that has nearly doubled since the 1980s—the arrival of a drug that actually works was hard to ignore.
    Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • For employers across all sectors, the consequences of ignoring employee financial wellness are significant.
    Kevin Cohee, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When investing in new technology to enhance the CX, companies often forget or neglect to upgrade employee-facing systems, which can send a negative message to the workplace.
    Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • No position on the Yankees has been more neglected than third base.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Dix’s conclusion is easily seen in the lives of famous entrepreneurs who failed at various times in their lives.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • After having pulled through a dramatic home price correction over the past couple of years, the former pandemic boomtown of Austin, Texas, is now navigating even more troubled waters, as buyers scared off by brewing economic uncertainty are failing to show up for the city's growing housing supply.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Air travel experiences: 16 hours, 10 time zones, no regrets: How to fly ultra-long-haul without losing your mind Faltering demand One airline executive said carriers could have taken the tariffs in stride if travel demand was booming.
    Rajesh Kumar Singh, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The Panthers lost to the Battlehawks, 32-27. 2025 UFL PLAYOFFS: SCHEDULE, PLAYOFF PICTURE, DATES, TIME, TV Samson Nacua played at the FBS level in college for Utah and BYU.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • He was therefore omitted from the side to face Italy, which prompted a huge backlash back home, amid reports that Adhemar Pimenta was simply resting him for the final.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • However, the film omits his wife, Catherine Murray, and his two daughters.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Forget.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/forget. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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