NEGLECT Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of neglect are disregard , forget , ignore , overlook , and slight . While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention. // habitually neglected his studies

Q: When could 'disregard' be used to replace 'neglect'?

In some situations, the words disregard and neglect are roughly equivalent. However, disregard suggests voluntary inattention. // disregarded the wishes of his family

Q: When would 'forget' be a good substitute for 'neglect'?

While the synonyms forget and neglect are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind. // forget what others say

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

The words ignore and neglect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious. // ignored the snide remark

Q: When is it sensible to use 'overlook' instead of 'neglect'?

The synonyms overlook and neglect are sometimes interchangeable, but overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care. // in my rush I overlooked a key example

Q: In what contexts can 'slight' take the place of 'neglect'?

The meanings of slight and neglect largely overlap; however, slight implies contemptuous or disdainful disregarding or omitting. // slighted several major authors in her survey

neglect 1 of 2

noun

Definition of neglect next

as in disrepair

the state of being unattended to or not cared for for years the barn sat in neglect until one day it finally fell down

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in negligence

the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action your ongoing neglect of your health is going to land you in the hospital someday

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

neglect

2 of 2

verb

ni-ˈglekt

as in to ignore

to fail to give proper attention to as usual the news media neglected the real issues of the campaign and focused on personalities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to forget

to leave undone or unattended to especially through carelessness I've neglected my garden, and now it's overgrown with weeds

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fail

to miss the opportunity or obligation conveniently, the job applicant neglected to mention his criminal record

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word neglect distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of neglect are disregard, forget, ignore, overlook, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When could disregard be used to replace neglect?

In some situations, the words disregard and neglect are roughly equivalent. However, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When would forget be a good substitute for neglect?

While the synonyms forget and neglect are close in meaning, forget may suggest either a willful ignoring or a failure to impress something on one's mind.

forget what others say

When is ignore a more appropriate choice than neglect?

The words ignore and neglect are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is it sensible to use overlook instead of neglect?

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

in my rush I overlooked a key example

In what contexts can slight take the place of neglect?

The meanings of slight and neglect largely overlap; 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 neglect

Noun

Anderson is charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. —

Dennis Romero, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025 For decades, the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, also known as the Florida School for Boys, was a place of cruelty and neglect disguised as rehabilitation. —

Ray Watford, Sun Sentinel, 28 Jan. 2025

Verb

Muscle tension riding is great for building glute strength, something cyclists often neglect in favor of their quads and hamstrings. —

Alyssa Ages, Outside Online, 31 Jan. 2025 And, according to Schuster, the biggest stumbling block for Trump’s shield plan could be a US production and procurement system that has been neglected –despite the early successes demonstrated on Guam. —

Brad Lendon, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for neglect

Recent Examples of Synonyms for neglect

Noun

Nashville's Bad Idea is a wine bar and restaurant set in a former Presbyterian church that fell into disrepair after a vicious tornado.

— USA TODAY, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
If the cultural resistance to Trump has in fact fallen into disrepair, these contradictions can be credited as catalysts.

— Brady Brickner-Wood, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025