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 power excesses of this president extend well beyond disregard for fundamental constitutional norms or basic civil rights. Erin M. Carr, Sun Sentinel, 6 May 2025 Trump has a complete disregard for laws and expertise, and a unique shamelessness, both of which create fertile soil for inanity. Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025
Verb
Under President Jair Bolsonaro, the prior government allowed for rapid deforestation in exchange for quick economic gain and disregarded the global push for climate action. Justin Worland, Time, 23 May 2025 Scientific research must be funded, but integrity matters and UCSD must face real consequences for disregarding the law and failing its students. Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for disregard
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disregard
Verb
  • But in public spaces, the Russian Federation and the Soviet Union are roundly despised.
    Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 7 May 2025
  • Raymond abandoned his old mentor but never despised his advice.
    Matthew Karp, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • What can also be said with certainty, however, is that — even ignoring, for one moment, the events that brought him to Chelmsford crown court in Essex, east of London — this is a story of what might have been.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 6 June 2025
  • The economics are simply too compelling for businesses to ignore: A single AI system can process the workload of dozens of employees at a fraction of the usual labor cost.
    Adam Bowen, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • But all those terms are — forgive the pun — on the outs.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • There are no limits to the number of donations per person, though fines will not be forgiven for library items that are lost or damaged.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • There’s a New Spirituality in Pop Music June 7, 1987 As religion and crypto-religion were locked in mortal combat, the AIDS plague was sweeping across gay communities like a firestorm, to the complete indifference of the federal government and their Christian handmaidens.
    Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • Watching The Disappearance of Josef Mengele leaves one without any real feeling beyond indifference or deep disgust.
    Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • For one, no studio wants to release its film too early, only to be forgotten when another major contender comes along.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • It’s designed to combat re-arrest and re-incarceration after imprisonment—known as recidivism, create jobs and build dignity for those the system tries to forget.
    Kizzy Cox, Essence, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The unlikely trio begins working backward, reexamining the missing person’s case and trying to determine what avenues and signs were previously overlooked.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 29 May 2025
  • Tucked between Kamala and Patong beach, the journey to this hidden hillside bar includes a wooden path with photogenic stops, including a floating frame overlooking the Andaman Sea.
    Kaila Yu, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Beachy waves embody the essence of effortless glamour, effortlessly merging chic with a touch of playful nonchalance.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 6 June 2025
  • While the relationships Reid had before the pandemic weren't affected by 'nonchalance' culture, he's been experiencing a far different dating pool after his most recent relationship of two and a half years ended.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Most of Ukraine’s ravaged cultural sites are like the shelled Reims Cathedral: perhaps not directly targeted, but destroyed with ruthless unconcern.
    Jason Farago, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2022
  • Marked by the artist’s apparent unconcern with conventional modeling and draftsmanship and by the velvety smoothness of his brushwork, the paintings exude an aura of quietude and utter perfection unrivaled in the work of his peers.
    Mary Tompkins Lewis, WSJ, 26 Nov. 2022

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Cite this Entry

“Disregard.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disregard. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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