SHRUGGING OFF Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

shrugging off

verb

Definition of shrugging off next

present participle of shrug off

as in ignoring

to dismiss as of little importance an administration that was willing to shrug off the problem

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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

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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 Even shrugging off the disappointment of missing a sitter of a backhand when up break point a couple of points earlier. —

Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 9 May 2026 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

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