SHRUGS OFF Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

shrugs off

verb

present tense third-person singular of shrug off

as in ignores

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

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as in removes

to rid oneself of (a garment) she shrugged off her coat and hung it up neatly

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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 shrugs off The team shrugs off criticism that the end result was overbudget and overdue. — Lauren Victory, CBS News, 20 June 2026 Once again, Rodrigo shrugs off concern. — Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 His Bear shrugs off advice from friends and co-workers Ian (Cooper Tomlinson) and Sara (Megan Lawless) who notice that Nikki seems to get more unhinged by the minute. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 13 May 2026 Singh shrugs off the need for external validation. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 Rough blazing star shrugs off humidity but skip planting in spots where the soil stays soggy in the winter. — Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 1 May 2026 Even now, Dickinson shrugs off people who complain that recent Maiden albums like The Book of Souls and Senjutsu lean too progressive. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026 Oleander is very heat and drought tolerant and shrugs off poor soil. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 Ryan shrugs off the daily noise altogether. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 17 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrugs off

Verb

In the sketch, Washington’s announcement prompts a skeptical colonist (David) to imagine a future leader who ignores the Constitution, uses the presidency for personal gain and seeks to remain in power.

— Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Our farmers and small businesses are already following strong safety rules — a one-size-fits-all federal ban ignores that.

— A.J. Herrington, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of ignores

Verb

Critics argue that the shortcut removes the layer of oversight that protects patients from the mistakes that have shaped every prior generation of gene therapy.

— William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The clock stops once the rider removes his hand from the rope or touches anything with his free arm.

— Ava DiCecca, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of removes

Verb

This stunning Amalfi Coast boutique hotel overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea, and guests can enjoy their complimentary meal on a serene terrace.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 3 Aug. 2026
The park recently expanded to incorporate the former Whirlpool and Devil’s Hole state parks, creating nearly five miles of continuous trails and overlooks along the Niagara Gorge.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of overlooks

Verb

After speaking to multiple sources familiar with the process — all of whom remain anonymous to protect relationships — The Athletic explains the lay of the land.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026
Kash explains that turmeric contains a specific type of polyphenol called curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties (and is what gives the spice its bright yellow color).

— Marie Bladt, Vogue, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of explains

Verb

The former Washington Commanders starter is competing for the backup job behind Dak Prescott in what head coach Brian Schottenheimer declared an open competition, though Howell has thrown just 14 passes over the past two seasons.

— Nick Harris. Story produced with AI assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026
Despite these audacious moments, Bouaddi generally keeps things simple in possession, favouring quick, safe passes over more ambitious ones.

— Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of passes over

Verb

With ballots set to be printed this week, the issue was appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court on an expedited basis, with both sides filing court papers over the weekend.

— Joe Walsh, CBS News, 30 June 2026
In this case, the vote also papers over Democrats’ internal divisions, given that the caucus is divided between hawkish Democrats sympathetic to attacking Iran and those who reject the attack outright.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2026

Definition of papers over

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“Shrugs off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrugs%20off. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of shrugs off

verb

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