ignore

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ignore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ignore are disregard, forget, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is disregard a more appropriate choice than ignore?

The words disregard and ignore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When could forget be used to replace ignore?

Although the words forget and ignore have much in common, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When can neglect be used instead of ignore?

The synonyms neglect and ignore are sometimes interchangeable, 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 ignore?

The words overlook and ignore can be used in similar contexts, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would slight be a good substitute for ignore?

While the synonyms slight and ignore are close in meaning, 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 ignore Remember, ignoring these signals can lead to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke. Kansas City Star, 11 July 2025 But Eufy is way more similar to my former dogs Biff and Frank, who generally ignored me and went about their own business. David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 The victim’s parents were advised to have the victim stop playing games online — advice Judd said the parents ignored. Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 Those who depend on freewheeling and shoot-from-the-hip strategies and tactics to address a crisis are ignoring or disregarding fundamental crisis management best practices that favor a calm, deliberate, and thoughtful approach. Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore
Verb
  • Child and pet safety: Never forget to safeguard young children and pets by not leaving them unattended in vehicles, especially during scorching weather when car interiors can become life-threateningly hot.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
  • Some slogans and ad campaigns are quickly forgotten.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • This second mortgage is forgiven in increments of 20% per year over a five-year term.
    JP Shaffer Updated July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
  • And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • And if the expansionists prevail, the customer is being disregarded at alarming levels here.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 10 July 2025
  • Tariffs are raising costs while public discourse increasingly disregards science itself.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The rooftop bar and restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy light bites and cocktails during warmer months overlooking views of the city.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 1 July 2025
  • From simply meeting expectations to overlooking key relationships, minor missteps can quietly stall your career growth.
    Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what people in the happiest relationship do during the weekdays — that most neglect.
    Mark Travers, CNBC, 13 July 2025
  • His defense attorney at the time, Brooke Wells, argued for leniency, saying that Menzies had a long history of being abused and neglected as a child and had been diagnosed with mental disorders, the Tribune reported.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Another royal source explained that layoffs were inevitable for the former royal family members.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 13 July 2025
  • The woman explained the extensive interviewing process as well as her concerns with pursuing the opportunity on the community forum Mumsnet.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • If the Tripadvisor business was the company’s only segment, this valuation could be justified.
    Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 12 July 2025
  • What event could possibly justify closing a major highway for days on end?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • None of that, however, excuses the silly and juvenile behavior of the Assembly’s majority Democrats last week when the chamber took up a resolution commemorating Pride month.
    Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 3 July 2025
  • Students who cannot get to school and have bus stops are on a list provided by district officials can get absences excused Thursday and Friday.
    Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ignore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignore. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ignore

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