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
The lack of communication by HHS and other CDC political leadership that culminates in social media posts announcing major policy changes without prior notice demonstrate a disregard of normal communication channels and common sense. Mikelle Street, Them., 28 Aug. 2025 Loosely scripted and influenced by European auteurs Béla Tarr and Chantal Akerman, these films favored long, choreographed shots, languid pacing and a disregard for Hollywood conventions. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
On Friday, Judge Cassidy declined to disregard one his previous strikes in order to reach a lesser sentence. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 29 Aug. 2025 This was an odd gesture, considering that the Guild’s Board had completely disregarded the jury’s recommendations. Don McKellar, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • Their casualness and comfort were the characteristics that earned them a top spot in the fashion of the moment.
    Michel Mejía, Glamour, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe your coworker has an upcoming presentation to senior leadership or your friend despises mushrooms.
    Lorraine K. Lee, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This absence — of God, of love, of plain community spirit — is a metaphor for the whole parish, where everyone is defined by their own lacks and deficiencies, the weaknesses that cause Wicks to despise them and vow to bring down them all.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That many in the media have ignored the unit’s rise is an indictment.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Amid all its glorious and aesthetic architecture lies the massive environmental impact that cannot be ignored.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • For many couples, infidelity is a nonnegotiable breach of trust, never to be forgiven.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Nobody is going to forgive it or pay it for us.
    Letters to the Editor, Oc Register, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But to the other, this is often construed as coldness or indifference.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Over the years, despite facing indifference or opposition from whichever political party is in power, the folks in our film carry on.
    Addie Morfoot, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Neither will forget what Harbaugh did late in the blowout, when going for two points after a touchdown instead of kicking a PAT to signal everything was A-OK between the two.
    Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t forget meds, food, clean ID tags, and anything else your dog might need on the trip.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Taco Heads, which grew from a West Seventh Street taco truck to a sprawling restaurant overlooking the Cultural District, has a new owner and will be getting a new look.
    Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The homeowner’s suite, comprising a large bedroom, a sitting/dressing room, lots of closet space, and a bathroom with marble vanities, spills onto a deck overlooking the yard.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Austen’s original, however, the point isn’t just to consider the heroine’s and hero’s attitudes toward dirt, from Elizabeth’s nonchalance to Darcy’s attraction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Never too retro, never too futuristic — these perfect day-to-night shades will add a touch of French nonchalance to any outfit.
    Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on disregard

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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