ignore

verb

ig-ˈnȯr How to pronounce ignore (audio)
Definition of ignorenext
1
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
2
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 Clearly, this event was geared toward highlighting where AI is today, how it’s used, and where it’s headed, but any summit on the subject of the technology should not ignore the voices that oppose its use. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 21 Mar. 2025 And there's supposed to be an inventory management mechanic that is easily ignored, too. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 If senior military leaders fail in their responsibility, chaos could ensue: Units may end up following conflicting orders or ignoring directives altogether. —Samuel C. Mahaney, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 Boasberg ordered the flights return to the U.S., which the White House ignored. —Sareen Habeshian, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ignore
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ignore
  1. forget
  2. forgive
  3. disregard
  4. overlook
  5. neglect
  6. explain
  7. justify
  8. excuse
Verb
  • Importantly for Coleman, Barry has never forgotten who has done well by him.
    — Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • From the start, many critics worried that school summer vacations would lead students to forget their lessons and waste time in unhealthy idleness.
    — Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
Definition of forget
Verb
  • Known more as a producer of top-end future-NBA talent like Ben Simmons, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and current Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, you’d be forgiven for thinking the prep school even cared about track and field.
    — Cory Mull, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
  • You would be forgiven for mistaking the Slim, at a glance, for the original model.
    — Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • In other words, the excess of the original debt over the amount determined to have been due can be disregarded in calculating gross income.
    — Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Others, however, pointed out that there may be more nuance to the situation — and that the OP disregarding his mother’s wishes could have serious consequences.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of disregard
Verb
  • However, a key piece of the puzzle is often overlooked: supplier voices.
    — Adele Stafford, Sourcing Journal, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, too often, organizations overlook the importance of a holistic, future-ready digital infrastructure.
    — Ciaran Roche, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of overlook
Verb
  • Traditionally, the Huntsman, a character who received his own (sorta) spinoff in 2012 with Snow White and the Huntsman, is ordered by the Queen to kill Snow White but neglects the devious deed.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, many neglect their eyesight, unknowingly compromising their mental sharpness, risk perception and executive function.
    — Dr Chibuzor Uwadi, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of neglect
Verb
  • This gets at a much bigger issue: This production fails to justify or explain why this is a one-person show or what is gained by this choice.
    — Christian Lewis, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Focus on explaining the problem your brand solves, and provide actionable solutions and clear calls to action.
    — Saul Marquez, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of explain
Verb
  • Ukraine’s General Staff denied the allegations, saying in a statement Wednesday that Russia’s claims were part of a broader disinformation campaign aimed at justifying continued hostilities.
    — Illia Novikov and Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • These proceedings were not justified and should never have been conducted.
    — Dan Sheldon, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of justify
Verb
  • A lot of students were aspiring actors: One week three people in my class were excused early to audition for the same Nickelodeon TV show.
    — Mara Wilson, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Teachers who object for reasons of religion or conscience can be excused and replaced with a substitute reader.
    — Peter Greene, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of excuse

Browse Nearby Words

ignorant
ignore
ignored
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Cite this Entry

“Ignore.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ignore. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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