1
as in ignoring
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 removing
to rid oneself of (a garment)
she shrugged off her coat and hung it up neatly
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shrugging off
The Europeans are shrugging off these comments, if not ignoring them entirely.
—
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Investors are shrugging off the verdicts.
—Morgan Lee, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Yet the ultra-rich are shrugging off their declining popularity — in part, by flexing their muscle in American politics.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 20 Mar. 2026
Perhaps shrugging off culture is a form of self-preservation to those of us who are easily overwhelmed by the way social-media algorithms accelerate consumption, and push individuals to engage in public conversation.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Senate Republicans plan to vote on a government funding package as soon as Thursday, shrugging off Democrats’ vows to filibuster the legislation unless DHS funding is removed and amended after two fatal Minnesota shootings.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Stocks closed higher on Monday, shrugging off a dip earlier in the day after reports of the DOJ probe into Powell.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Stock market investors for now are shrugging off the Justice Department’s investigation into Powell.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Both gave way to Phoenix’s limitless fourth-quarter responses, shrugging off Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s late shot-making, as well as the Thunder’s late turn to small ball.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Investors are shrugging off the verdicts.
—Morgan Lee, Fortune, 26 Mar. 2026
Yet the ultra-rich are shrugging off their declining popularity — in part, by flexing their muscle in American politics.
—David Faris, TheWeek, 20 Mar. 2026
Perhaps shrugging off culture is a form of self-preservation to those of us who are easily overwhelmed by the way social-media algorithms accelerate consumption, and push individuals to engage in public conversation.
—Anna Holmes, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2026
Senate Republicans plan to vote on a government funding package as soon as Thursday, shrugging off Democrats’ vows to filibuster the legislation unless DHS funding is removed and amended after two fatal Minnesota shootings.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Stocks closed higher on Monday, shrugging off a dip earlier in the day after reports of the DOJ probe into Powell.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026
Stock market investors for now are shrugging off the Justice Department’s investigation into Powell.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Both gave way to Phoenix’s limitless fourth-quarter responses, shrugging off Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren’s late shot-making, as well as the Thunder’s late turn to small ball.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrugging off
Verb
-
The pope ignoring atrocities The papal mission appears to have overlooked a visit to Nigeria.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The beats lazily play into aughts pastiche, ignoring the 15 years of mutation that have morphed trap into plugg, rage, drill, and SahBabii.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
He is then seen slowly approaching the victim, checking his surroundings, and removing his shoes before grabbing her from behind.—
Ana Maria Soler,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The surgery involved removing 40 percent of Erbert's skull and required a follow-up skull implant surgery, per the Los Angeles Times.—
Chanel Vargas,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The family room has an original Eastlake-style mantle over a gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling bookcases and a five-window bay overlooking Burton Street.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
The bedrooms include a primary suite (stay here for a private terrace with valley views), plus additional rooms overlooking the gardens.—
Angela Tafoya,
Vogue,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For now, at least, the audience seems forgiving, which lets Jomboy try new things.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
This little houseplant is easy for beginners, safe around pets, purifies the air, and is forgiving of neglect.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the center of town, Perryville House—with its garden-facing suites and Georgian architecture—makes a compelling case for putting off your departure.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Americans are also making other sacrifices, such as delaying a job change, putting off buying a new home or postponing growing their family.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The homeowner, Thania Magana, said flight data showed a plane passing over her neighborhood at the time, according to Hahn.—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
-
At the time of liftoff, the ISS — currently home to the seven-member Expedition 74 crew — was passing over the northern Pacific Ocean, too far away for the astronauts to see the launch directly.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With runners at the corners with no outs in the sixth, A's first baseman Nick Kurtz fielded Jared Young’s grounder and threw to third to nab Francisco Lindor, who broke back to the bag after taking off for home.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
With runners at the corners with no outs in the sixth, A's first baseman Nick Kurtz fielded Jared Young's grounder and threw to third to nab Francisco Lindor, who broke back to the bag after taking off for home.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And two people explaining why a movie going straight to streaming is actually a good thing.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
22 Apr. 2026
-
That’s why the timeout confusion, while worth explaining, shouldn’t become the main takeaway.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrugging off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrugging%20off. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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