neglect 1 of 2

1
as in disrepair
the state of being unattended to or not cared for for years the barn sat in neglect until one day it finally fell down

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action your ongoing neglect of your health is going to land you in the hospital someday

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

neglect

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglect distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of neglect are disregard, forget, ignore, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When could disregard be used to replace neglect?

In some situations, the words disregard and neglect are roughly equivalent. However, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When would forget be a good substitute for neglect?

While the synonyms forget and neglect are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When is ignore a more appropriate choice than neglect?

The words ignore and neglect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is it sensible to use overlook instead of neglect?

The synonyms overlook and neglect are sometimes interchangeable, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

In what contexts can slight take the place of neglect?

The meanings of slight and neglect largely overlap; 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 neglect
Noun
After finishing her studies, Valdes dedicated her talents to advocating for child victims of abuse and neglect at a local nonprofit, her family shared. Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 18 June 2025 Huda must seethe into her makeup mirror about Jeremiah’s neglect, and Ace must hold court above the ping-pong table. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 18 June 2025
Verb
The first time, in 2021, things went haywire when elections officials neglected to clear test data from the tabulation program. David B. Caruso, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025 Get Your Grill Back In Tip-Top Shape The grill is another outdoor item that can get neglected during the chillier months. Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for neglect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglect
Noun
  • The house had been abandoned for over 15 years and had fallen into disrepair.
    Leila Jordan, IndieWire, 23 June 2025
  • While fans have been crying out for improvements for years, the vast majority of clubs have so far lacked the means to make a significant dent, leaving many teams and stadiums in a state of bankruptcy or disrepair.
    David Ferrini, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Boat operator negligence or DUI – The Coast Guard also states that negligent operation — including drinking, speeding, or unsafe boating — can lead to fines up to $5,000 and imprisonment.
    Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2025
  • In the early hours of June 14, 2017, residents of Grenfell Tower were caught off guard by a deadly fire that would turn the building into an international symbol of negligence and injustice.
    Time, Time, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • While Paladino’s nonsense was rightfully ignored, a letter from a member of the House majority to the AG may not be ignored, especially this AG, especially under this president.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Hiking and Camping Deals Don't forget to check out our guide to the Best Day-Hiking Backpacks and the Best Travel Bags.
    Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 27 June 2025
  • So does the rage that accompanies it, and the need to not just forget the past but the temptation to erase yourself from the present.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • The decline accelerated after reports indicated that Iran’s first attempt to retaliate by lobbing missiles toward a U.S. base in Qatar failed to cause any casualties.
    Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025
  • Phoenix was unable to propel itself back to the NBA Finals, losing in the Western Conference semifinals during the 2022-23 season, being ousted in the first round in the 2023-24 season and failing to even make the postseason this year.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Ensure your team members learn how to code securely, promote an approach where nobody is blamed after a failure, and value those who report issues quickly.
    Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Extreme heat can cause wiring insulation to deteriorate faster, leading to shorts or failures in electrical components.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • The Dalai Lama, however, has said that his successor will be born outside China and has urged his followers to disregard any appointment made by the Chinese Communist Party.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • The Watergate scandal did inspire the creation of the Freedom of Information Act, which Gillett disregards.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Neglect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglect. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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