Thesaurus

neglect

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of neglect

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 the state of being unattended to or not cared for

for years the barn sat in neglect until one day it finally fell down

Synonyms for neglect

Words Related to neglect

Near Antonyms for neglect

Antonyms for neglect

keeping,
repair

2 the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action

your ongoing neglect of your health is going to land you in the hospital someday

Synonyms for neglect

Words Related to neglect

Near Antonyms for neglect

neglect

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of neglect (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to fail to give proper attention to

as usual the news media neglected the real issues of the campaign and focused on personalities

Synonyms for neglect

Words Related to neglect

fail

miss,
omit

scant,
skimp

Near Antonyms for neglect

pamper

remember

listen (to),
watch

Antonyms for neglect

2 to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness

I've neglected my garden, and now it's overgrown with weeds

Synonyms for neglect

forget,
shirk

Words Related to neglect

slack (off)

Near Antonyms for neglect

accomplish,
achieve

keep up,
maintain

Antonyms for neglect

3 to miss the opportunity or obligation

conveniently, the job applicant neglected to mention his criminal record

Synonyms for neglect

Words Related to neglect

slide,
slip

default

skip

Phrases Synonymous with neglect

miss out on

Near Antonyms for neglect

keep,
observe

comply (with)

Frequently Asked Questions About neglect

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