shrug off

verb

Definition of shrug offnext
1
as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance an administration that was willing to shrug off the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to remove
to rid oneself of (a garment) she shrugged off her coat and hung it up neatly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 shrug off Paul said, referring to an interview Edwards did several years ago shrugging off the Phoenix Suns’ addition of Kevin Durant. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 4 July 2026 Teskey also shrugged off concerns about an AI data center bubble. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 July 2026 And that allowed another hero to shrug off the pain of his own wounds and step up big. — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 For the most part, however, the market shrugged off those arguments and the buying continued. — Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrug off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrug off
  1. ignore
  2. remove
  3. forgive
  4. put off
  5. overlook
  6. explain
  7. pass over
  8. justify
Verb
  • The suspect allegedly attempted to flee again by jumping fences and ignoring the officers’ commands to stop, but was apprehended and placed in custody.
    — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 16 July 2026
  • But aside from dispatching shotgun-toting police agents to keep an eye on them, Venezuelan authorities mostly ignored the protesters.
    — John Otis, NPR, 16 July 2026
Definition of ignore
Verb
  • Hanaway’s office filed a petition to remove Johnston from office, alleging misconduct, according to a news release from the attorney general’s office.
    — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026
  • The star’s daughter Zahara, 21, and son Maddox, 24, are both seeking to remove Pitt from their legal names, according to court documents filed in California.
    — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
Definition of remove
Verb
  • From the side, you could be forgiven for mistaking it for a hill; a thick carpet of grass grows up the walls and over the roof.
    — Amelia Soth, JSTOR Daily, 15 July 2026
  • The final few episodes’ excessive melodrama is easily forgiven when what’s good here — above-average fights, solid jokes, and a game cast — isn’t so easy to forget.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • Home Depot and Lowe’s both told investors this year that homeowners are putting off larger home improvement projects – those often associated with fixer-upper homes.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Across the country, park agencies struggling with these dire conditions are responding by putting off maintenance for trails and forests to save money, said Ray.
    — Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
Definition of put off
Verb
  • Those uninterested in the South of France or the northeastern tip of Spain could enjoy the Mediterranean climate on Gothic-style rooftop terraces overlooking the lush Turkish forest.
    — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2026
  • Put every kind of genius to work, especially the kind your rivals overlook.
    — André Martin, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of overlook
Verb
  • But Antonelli’s ease with the new cars and Russell’s discomfort with having to adopt a radically new driving style can’t explain the half-second gap between the pair in qualifying.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 July 2026
  • When pressed repeatedly by a Fox News cohost for specifics on the operation, Homan explained that disclosing that type of information could risk officer safety and prompt criminals to flee.
    — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 20 July 2026
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Since then, however, Howell has only thrown 14 passes over the past two seasons.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • Neill notably auditioned to play James Bond in 1987’s The Living Daylights, but was passed over for Timothy Dalton.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
Definition of pass over
Verb
  • Duke then justified its presence in the ACC championship by beating Virginia 27-20 in overtime.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
  • But that valuation is justified given CAVA’s strong qualitative fundamentals, such as recent menu innovations and high customer loyalty, leaving the stock attractive, Morgan Stanley said.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of justify

Browse Nearby Words

shrugging off
shrug off
shrugs
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Cite this Entry

“Shrug off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrug%20off. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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