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

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

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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 states argued in federal court in Oakland that Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, ignored evidence that its platforms were addictive and harmful to children, pursuing profit from their online data instead. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 Continue reading … LONG OVERDUE – 'National Treasure' director predicts upcoming third film won't be able to 'ignore' politics. — FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Hurts has historically ignored the middle of the field at intermediate depth, but that’s expected to change in the year ahead. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 At a glance Small, easy-to-ignore problems (fluid leaks, worn brake pads, suspension noise) often become the most expensive repairs if left too long. — Michael Kurko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ignore

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore

Verb

Country queen and national treasure Dolly Parton may have physically left the world on Tuesday, but her indelible mark on the world and the industry will never be forgotten.

— Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
The Benedict Canyon property is an important part of the novel that has already been forgotten here.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of forget

Verb

None of this is irreversible, which is precisely why the CDC’s complacency is so hard to forgive.

— A.J. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026
Financial institutions and community partners may also provide down payment assistance programs, including opportunities that can be partially or fully forgiven over time.

— Patricia Mason, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of forgive

Verb

Log temples atop the mounds overlooked wide plazas for ball games, ceremonies, and open-air markets.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2026
For a luxury upgrade, consider the One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town’s premier urban resort with a bar and lounge that directly overlooks Table Mountain.

— Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of overlook

Verb

The recent transformation has breathed new life into the space, elevating it from neglected to polished while preserving its architectural roots.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
As the years pass, the children start learning to play the dusty piano that had been neglected in their abundant lives.

— Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of neglect

Verb

Lanterns wastes little time explaining this backstory ad nauseam and instead creates an immediately inviting dynamic between him and Hal, who comes to him demanding information on Manhunters.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Cieloween explained that the moves shown by participants vary widely.

— Mitchell McCluskey, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of explain

Verb

The government may not decide that Church teaching is insufficiently religious, insufficiently consistent with Catholic doctrine, or insufficiently compelling to justify an ecclesiastical policy.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Organizers of Tuesday's rally said the women were released from ICE detention after a judge granted their habeas corpus petitions, meaning the government was required to justify their continued detention.

— Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of justify

Verb

State lawmakers passed legislation this summer to require school principals to excuse student absences related to private, off-campus religious instruction programs.

— Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026
The abuse of women and girls has long been ignored, excused, protected and even turned into profit.

— Jodi Bondi Norgaard, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of excuse

Browse Nearby Words

ignorant

ignore

ignored

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“Ignore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignore. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ignore

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