IGNORE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ignore' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ignore are disregard , forget , neglect , overlook , and slight . While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious. // ignored the snide remark

Q: When is 'disregard' a more appropriate choice than 'ignore'?

The words disregard and ignore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disregard suggests voluntary inattention. // disregarded the wishes of his family

Q: When could 'forget' be used to replace 'ignore'?

Although the words forget and ignore have much in common, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind. // forget what others say

Q: When can 'neglect' be used instead of 'ignore'?

The synonyms neglect and ignore are sometimes interchangeable, but neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention. // habitually neglected his studies

Q: Where would 'overlook' be a reasonable alternative to 'ignore'?

The words overlook and ignore can be used in similar contexts, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care. // in my rush I overlooked a key example

Q: When would 'slight' be a good substitute for 'ignore'?

While the synonyms slight and ignore are close in meaning, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting. // slighted several major authors in her survey

ignore

verb

ig-ˈnȯr

Definition of ignore next

as in to forget

to fail to give proper attention to ignoring your health now will haunt you further down the road

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to forgive

to dismiss as of little importance although the movie is a cinematic tour de force, one can't ignore the fact that it seriously distorts history

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ignore distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of ignore are disregard, forget, neglect, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is disregard a more appropriate choice than ignore?

The words disregard and ignore are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When could forget be used to replace ignore?

Although the words forget and ignore have much in common, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When can neglect be used instead of ignore?

The synonyms neglect and ignore are sometimes interchangeable, 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 ignore?

The words overlook and ignore can be used in similar contexts, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would slight be a good substitute for ignore?

While the synonyms slight and ignore are close in meaning, 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 ignore The federal government launched an investigation into California’s statewide governing body that oversees athletics after the organization ignored President Donald Trump’s new policies on transgender sports. —

Emily Hallas, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Feb. 2025 China’s tobacco monopoly is flooding the U.S. market with illicit e-cigarette products, ignoring U.S. federal safety standards. —

Thomas Stratmann, National Review, 14 Feb. 2025 Keith allegedly initially ignored verbal commands to exit the vehicle and police used bean bag rounds to subdue him, court records said. —

Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025 Several federal judges have blocked several Trump orders from immediate action amid allegations that the president is ignoring some of the rulings. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ignore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore

Verb

Konate’s discipline causes concern This was an afternoon to forget for Ibrahima Konate.

— Gregg Evans, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025
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— Sarah Han, Allure, 16 Feb. 2025