disregard 1 of 2

Definition of disregardnext

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
Letting Kingsley sleep in the same room as the dogs, prosecutors argued, demonstrated a reckless disregard for the toddler's safety, per FOX19. Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026 The piece broadens again into a compressed history of the war, and the rise of a dictator in part because of complicity and disregard. Literary Hub, 20 May 2026
Verb
Here, too, CDOT disregarded the objections of many residents as the agency previewed its plans during very limited neighborhood meetings and Zoom calls. Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Bolton, 67, was charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding election code, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Noun
  • Seydoux also approaches her beauty with a quintessentially French casualness.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 18 May 2026
  • The house did not have a European or East Coast seriousness, but rather a Californian dimension rooted in casualness, improvisation, and lack of pretension.
    Rem Koolhaas, Artforum, 26 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Nearly half of Americans despise them, seeing the wealthy as the beneficiaries of a corrupt system who got rich at their expense.
    Allison Schrager, Twin Cities, 13 May 2026
  • The goddess Hera — who despised Heracles — later set the crab in the heavens in the form of the constellation Cancer as a reward for its bravery.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • That’s how Ciara found out that Amanda was spending so much time at West’s house while ignoring her calls.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 June 2026
  • Chow's son testified that the gun was pointed at him, and defense lawyer Shaun Kent said during his closing argument that Cyrus ignored Chow telling him to put it down.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • But Camilla and William are reportedly not the type to forgive and forget.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 31 May 2026
  • Texas State wasn’t as forgiving.
    Jose de Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • Too often families like the Hostlers have been met with indifference by local authorities.
    James C Ramos, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2026
  • Combating antisemitism is a moral imperative — one rooted, for me, in personal history that makes indifference unthinkable.
    Austin Turner, CBS News, 26 May 2026
Verb
  • The last image of the Buffalo Sabres’ season was one Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen will spend his summer trying to forget.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 28 May 2026
  • Name five albums, and one of them can't be the Black Album, which is actually called Metallica; people forget that.
    Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • Lane pointed to Adams State’s direct admissions program as a smart intervention that attracts students who might have otherwise overlooked college.
    Elizabeth Hernandez, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • The castle, which was built by the Crusaders on a high cliff overlooking the Litani River some 900 years ago, has long been considered a strategic site in southern Lebanon and has been occupied by Israeli forces during previous conflicts.
    Kareem El Damanhoury, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • This cut is all about subtle softness and nonchalance created through layers and gently uneven ends.
    Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 27 May 2026
  • This second line follows in those footsteps, building on the sense of nonchalance and spontaneity Maccapani Missoni imbued in her first effort.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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