Synonyms of overlook

overlook 1 of 2

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈlu̇k 

1

as in to dominate

to look down on

the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dominate
• front
• face
• command

2

as in to ignore

to fail to give proper attention to

you've overlooked your chores again this week

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• forget
• disregard
• neglect
• miss
• pass over
• bypass
• slight
• omit
• slur (over)
• reject
• fail
• overpass
• disdain
• skimp
• brush (aside or off)
• slough (off)
• scant
• pooh
• shrug off
• sluff (off)
• scorn
• pooh-pooh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tend (to)
• appreciate
• regard
• attend (to)
• heed
• mind
• treasure
• remember
• value
• prize
• cultivate
• foster
• cherish
• nurse
• follow
• watch
• listen (to)
• notice
• observe
• nurture
• note
• mark
• pamper
• remark

3

as in to supervise

to be in charge of

you'll be asked to overlook larger projects in the future

Synonyms & Similar Words

• supervise
• oversee
• handle
• manage
• steer
• direct
• watch over
• command
• run
• control
• head
• boss
• order
• show
• superintend
• guide
• monitor
• ride herd on
• call the tune (for)
• administer
• captain
• call the shots (of)
• quarterback
• rule
• preside (over)
• govern
• shepherd
• reign

4

as in to possess

to cast a spell on

the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

• possess
• spell
• tempt
• seduce
• charm
• curse
• enchant
• bewitch
• strike
• attract
• ensorcel
• hex
• ensorcell
• entice
• lure
• captivate
• jinx
• mesmerize
• fascinate
• beguile
• spellbind
• voodoo

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bless

5

as in to examine

to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)

quickly overlooked the table of used books to see if there was anything of value

Synonyms & Similar Words

• examine
• review
• scan
• inspect
• survey
• view
• scrutinize
• watch
• analyze
• check (out)
• oversee
• audit
• go over
• explore
• investigate
• con
• notice
• dissect
• study
• observe
• peruse
• classify
• parse
• categorize
• pore (over)
• comb
• plumb
• research
• delve (into)
• probe
• pick over
• reinspect
• resurvey
• rereview

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• skim
• glance (at or over)

6

as in to forgive

to dismiss as of little importance

definitely not the kind of spouse to overlook even a single instance of marital infidelity

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ignore
• forgive
• explain
• justify
• disregard
• pardon
• excuse
• condone
• pass over
• discount
• forgive and forget
• gloss (over)
• whitewash
• paper over
• blink (at)
• brush (aside or off)
• shrug off
• wink (at)
• remit
• overpass
• gloze (over)
• rationalize
• close one's eyes to
• absolve
• exonerate
• exculpate
• waive
• vindicate
• acquit
• wave (aside or off)
• clear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• note
• mark
• mind
• object (to)
• heed

7

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about

the engineer hired to overlook the construction of the canal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manage
• supervise
• oversee
• operate
• handle
• control
• regulate
• conduct
• run
• tend
• govern
• keep
• direct
• carry on
• protect
• administer
• guide
• preside (over)
• watch over
• watch
• administrate
• lead
• steer
• steward
• superintend
• care (for)
• safeguard
• guard
• mind
• pilot
• micromanage
• comanage
• stage-manage
• codirect

overlook

2 of 2

noun

ˈō-vər-ˌlu̇k 

as in lookout

a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible

just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

• lookout
• observatory
• tower
• outlook
• watchtower
• crow's nest
• promontory
• aerie

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

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

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook 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

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

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

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overlook

Verb

One of the most important things in any dish is attention to detail—and people often overlook simple things like salt. —Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Ammos Greek With a terrace overlooking JBR Beach and Bluewaters Island, Ammos Greek, at Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, boasts a chic dining ambiance brimming with Aegean coastal charm. —Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

Noun

From the elevated overlook, visitors have an incredible view of a bare panorama that holds the remains of many extinct species dating back 5 million years. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

Visitors can also enjoy the scenery from overlooks at the Interpretive Center and the Wallenda Towers, which are platforms that were used by famed tightrope walker Karl Wallenda to cross the gorge in 1970. —Casey Barber, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2025