as in to ignore
to dismiss as of little importance
for too long the school just winked at the young athletes' hooliganism, dismissing it as a case of "boys being boys"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wink (at)
Verb
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Authorities said Sutton ignored multiple commands to comply and resisted detention.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026 -
The background checks on Cook, if in fact there were any, were totally ignored.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But with performances like this, he could be forgiven for allowing his thoughts to drift briefly towards the summer in North America.—
Conor O'Neill,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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This is a powerful time to release emotional baggage and forgive yourself for past choices.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, don't overlook the kitchen and laundry room, which can also be prone to soap scum.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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The ranch overlooks the 5,000-acre Ramona Grasslands Nature Preserve, which is under the stewardship of San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation.—
Regina Elling,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Mel explained that Chris was impressed by the move, and the two went for a run and had dinner together the next day.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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In an interview with Entertainment Weekly's sister publication, PEOPLE, makeup artist Nick Barose explained his inspiration for creating Madigan's glam for the evening.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Yuba County District Attorney Clint Curry in early October cleared Rodarte and Trumm of potential wrongdoing, deeming their gunfire in response to Oliver as justified self-defense.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Some of Ross’s actions could be legally justified, Ramsey noted.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Wink (at).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wink%20%28at%29. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
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