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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
The Catholic Church and federal government reacted vehemently to new legislation in Washington state that requires priests to report child abuse or neglect to law enforcement after learning about the crime through confessions. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 8 May 2025 Experts concluded that her death could have been prevented and was the direct result of prolonged abuse and neglect. Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Judge Subramanian noted that the man neglected to fill out all the questions on his juror questionnaire. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 May 2025 The building has been unoccupied and neglected for several years. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for neglect
Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglect
Noun
  • The equipment was in varying stages of disrepair, and there was no documentation accompanying it.
    Erin Osmon, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025
  • The older woman, who appears to live alone, seems taken aback only for a moment before showing Laura to the guest room of her house, which is comfortable but falling into disrepair.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Now, Espinosa and his wife are suing the sheriff's office, alleging deliberate indifference and medical negligence.
    Christina Coulter, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • The lawsuit accuses other officers of assault, battery, false imprisonment and rape, and says the department is to blame because of negligence.
    Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Still, gaming’s impact on licensed music can’t be ignored.
    Kaare Eriksen, Variety, 12 May 2025
  • Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Don’t forget to take advantage of the signature St. Regis butler service, which will promptly fulfill requests for packing needs, garment pressing, restaurant reservations and a cup of steaming chamomile tea to unwind after a long flight.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • And don’t forget to sign the honor code when you’re done.
    Patricia Schultheis, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The final lot, a tempera painting by Jacob Lawrence from 1958, failed to sell, providing a rather awkward round of applause to close the evening.
    Robb Report, Robb Report, 18 May 2025
  • Over the years, he’s placed a total of 48 tracks somewhere on the list, meaning nearly all of them have become top 10 smashes, with only a handful failing to rise into that uppermost region.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Noun
  • Discussing our failures in team meetings creates a culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • By all metrics, the High-Speed Rail is a colossal failure.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Watson Coleman said that ICE attempted to delay and dissuade the lawmakers from entering the facility and ultimately disregarded their authority.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
  • Executive overreach and disregard for the jurisdiction, independence, and Orders of courts is red meat for populist leaders and their followers.
    Mark A. Cohen, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Neglect.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/neglect. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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