shrugging off

Definition of shrugging offnext
present participle of shrug off

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 shrugging off This suggests that Amodei believed Anthropic had more leverage on the Pentagon than the Pentagon had on it — the CEO of a company founded just five years ago shrugging off a threat from the world’s most powerful and best-funded entity. U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrugging off
Verb
  • Common laundry habits — ignoring dryer vent buildup, leaving wet clothes in the washer, using hot water on everything and skipping the washing machine gasket — can damage appliances, ruin fabrics and even create a fire risk.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
  • Among other things, ABC argued that it was being singled out for regulatory action while ignoring radio talk shows, which also are covered by the rule, and routinely feature candidates.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Allow these to regrow and form new plants after removing all the dead.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026
  • On Saturday, that included removing Jake LaRavia from the rotation entirely as rookie forward Adou Thiero became the Lakers’ third player off the bench and veteran big man Maxi Kleber moved into the rotation as the ninth option.
    Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • Hough included another video in which she was seen taking a ice bath on a wooden deck overlooking lush tropical greenery.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • In the outdoor rooftop setting overlooking the beaches and mountains, local breathwork specialist Gustavo took me on a restorative vinyasa journey.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Thankfully Pal was forgiving, and didn’t hold a grudge for poor riding.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Polyester is a more low-maintenance, forgiving fabric.
    Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Damon Wayans’ Message to Other Diabetes Patients Wayans wants people who suspect something is off to stop putting off the appointment.
    Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
  • Correcting a deficiency is one of the most accessible interventions in everyday health and now there’s a compelling new reason to stop putting off that conversation.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On Sunday, May 3, a United Boeing 767-400 coming from Venice, Italy, came into contact with the pole while passing over a major roadway at a very low elevation on its final approach, the carrier confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
  • The incident occurred when the plane was passing over the southbound lanes of the New Jersey Turnpike.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • The New Glenn’s first test flight occurred on January 16, 2025, taking off from Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 May 2026
  • As many Americans plan their summer vacations, airfares are taking off.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Gianni Infantino tried to defend FIFA’s World Cup ticket prices by explaining American sports to Americans.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
  • Berry later apologized by email to Crocker, Cal-OSHA’s Sacramento District Manager, explaining that an arson and bomb investigator for Cal Fire, Gershom Slonim, had told Voller not to grant the interview.
    Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shrugging off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrugging%20off. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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