disregard 1 of 2

disregard

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word disregard distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of disregard are forget, ignore, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

In what contexts can forget take the place of disregard?

The words forget and disregard are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When would ignore be a good substitute for disregard?

While the synonyms ignore and disregard are close in meaning, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than disregard?

The words neglect and disregard can be used in similar contexts, but neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

Where would overlook be a reasonable alternative to disregard?

The synonyms overlook and disregard are sometimes interchangeable, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When might slight be a better fit than disregard?

In some situations, the words slight and disregard are roughly equivalent. However, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting.

slighted several major authors in her survey

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 disregard
Noun
Their continued refusal to release hostages or agree to a ceasefire reflects a total disregard for human life. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 July 2025 Such a worldview, rooted in distrust, opportunism and a disregard for the commons, legitimises grift by framing it as natural and inevitable. Dave Winsborough, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
Operating expenses for its parks were up 25.9%, too, but the adjusted EBITDA — a financial measure that looks at cash flow and disregards one-time factors — was 4.1% to the positive. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 July 2025 So far this year, the region has reported 45 drownings, according to data from the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, underlining the real and persistent danger that comes with disregarding safety warnings along the lakes' shores. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Verb
  • This is a warning to all those who despise creepy-crawlers and live in the Southwest and West.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 29 July 2025
  • And that’s just an example of all the people and value sets that Ron would despise, because Ron is a good person.
    Todd Gilchrist, IndieWire, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Somehow the checkers are ignoring the fact that Trump was referring to the five-year period.
    John R. Lott Jr, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Or Joe Biden when Putin ignored his warnings and invaded Ukraine in 2022.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • You’d be forgiven if your moviegoing interest in the legacyquel — a clever term for a next-gen sequel to a popular, typically very nostalgic film that former IndieWire editor Matt Singer coined over a decade ago — has waned.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2025
  • Now that so many smartphones can be turned into mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, you could be forgiven for thinking the market for 5G Wi-Fi routers is in decline.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Some have responded with indifference; in April, Lithgow told U.K.'s Sunday Times that Rowling was not the factor holding him back from joining the production.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The Bradleys have said that in the days after Amy went missing, they were met with resistance and indifference from cruise officials.
    Sarah Jones, People.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Last but certainly not least, do not forget to pack sunscreen.
    Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 15 Aug. 2025
  • It was announced well before the release of Cyberpunk 2077 and mostly forgotten about in the wake of the disastrous launch of that game.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • An icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe keeps watch from the mantel; a painting of her cat wearing a crown overlooks her shelves and shelves of books.
    Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The park has bathrooms, benches and a short boardwalk with a railing overlooking the beach.
    Bonnie Gross, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • There is also a cool nonchalance to the gym short, especially when juxtaposed with a smart button-up or dressier shoe.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 17 July 2025
  • Despite feigning nonchalance during the interrogation, his own funny story betrays his true misery.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 May 2025
Noun
  • Whatever the reason, Maxwell’s strength and the shark’s apparent unconcern put one of Maxwell’s friends in danger.
    Donald Millus, Outdoor Life, 3 July 2025
  • But the other pole, blithe unconcern, carries its own dangers.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.

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