SHRUGGING OFF Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

shrugging off

verb

present participle of shrug off

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

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

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 That shrugging off of the war was a common attitude among visitors to Boulevard City, organizers say. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 But on Tuesday, senators failed to advance the firms’ top legislative priority, shrugging off the threat of tens of millions of dollars that still could hit them this fall. — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2026 Part of it is that more women are speaking up about hair loss, shrugging off the stigma and reaching out for help. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 Trump, now shrugging off concerns about the threat posed to those who remained aboard the plane he was supposed to be on. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 Publicly, the White House is shrugging off the legal setbacks. — Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026 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 Lionel Messi showcased his legendary resilience, powering Argentina to a 2-0 victory over Iraq with two goals, shrugging off an early penalty kick miss. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 The bull market keeps shrugging off every reason to stop. — Benzinga, Freep.com, 23 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrugging off

Verb

Barely a week into the Lakers’ season, ignoring the records, forgetting the statistics, only one thing is abundantly clear.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
The department did not respond to a request to share its legal justification for ignoring the Biden-era changes.

— Cory Turner, NPR, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ignoring

Verb

This may mean removing an abusive parent as their guardian and establishing another relative or foster parent in place of the parent.

— Sasha Allen, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Before the building is sold or used for secular purposes, church officials take great care when removing the religious items inside, said Jacob Preciado, director of asset management for the archdiocese.

— Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of removing

Verb

On a slight hill, wooden bench swings hover over the ground, overlooking many of the park’s trails.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Tinies Tinies in South Main Village offers a patio and upstairs terrace overlooking downtown Fort Worth.

— Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of overlooking

Verb

The remarkably, borderline unbelievably forgiving Adams became good friends with her ex-husband.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026
But after Gouken’s tragic murder — the particulars will eventually be revealed in flashbacks — Ken and Ryu went their separate ways, Ken never forgiving Ryu for failing to save Gouken’s life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of forgiving

Verb

Troopers at the airport were alerted to the situation and notified flight staff at the gate where the plane would be taking off, state police said.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
To make matters worse, Tesla’s profits have been falling while SpaceX’s bottom line is taking off.

— Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of taking off

Verb

Expect Trinidad Chambliss, picked off three times by Texas, to be better against an Auburn defense that’s allowed over 700 yards passing over last two games.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
The probability of a hurricane passing over any particular point is low, especially farther from the Mexican coast, since most Pacific hurricanes tend to stay closer to Mexico.

— Nicholas Grondin, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of passing over

Verb

Marysia gave her a handwritten letter explaining her new project—her printer was broken—and Daniel agreed to take some photos with her.

— Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Fu recalls, explaining that these families had helped her from the beginning and didn't want to see her work stop.

— Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of explaining

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shrugging

shrugging off

shrug off

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“Shrugging off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrugging%20off. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrugging off

verb

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