1
as in ignoring
to dismiss as of little importance
an administration that was willing to shrug off the problem
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
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 Europeans are shrugging off these comments, if not ignoring them entirely.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Still, waiting or ignoring the issue can quickly turn a short-term cash crunch into a longer-term financial problem.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The president himself chose not to name a new full-time national security adviser after removing Mike Waltz, who had included a journalist in supposedly secure communications regarding military action.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Redick had said that the team considered removing Doncic, who suffered his hamstring strain in the third quarter against Oklahoma City, and Reaves at halftime.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The dishes arrive simultaneously for all diners, creating an almost theatrical shared experience at bespoke hemlock-wood tables beneath floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Robb Report,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Wait for the sun to set and draw a bath overlooking the lights of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
For a first-time gardener, broccoli and cabbage are forgiving choices that reward you with real food from your own backyard.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The data on the popularity of meat substitutes aren’t especially forgiving, either.—
Andrew Zaleski,
The Atlantic,
30 Mar. 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
-
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
-
The supervisors appointed Curtis in a 3-2 vote, passing over Joanna Francescut, who had worked in the elections office since 2008 and was Darling Allen’s number two.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Aurigny also says demand has soured in recent months, falling by 13 percent for flights taking off in May.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Those who fly the small, lightweight aircraft of different stripes were restricted for nearly four years from accessing the airport by ground and taking off in their ultralights.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
So the two simplest logical paths for explaining neutrino mass led to the same place.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
8 Apr. 2026
-
In these three hours, Euphoria is mostly just reassembling the board, explaining everyone’s lingering connections and building up to Nate and Cassie’s wedding.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shrugging off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrugging%20off. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
