overlook 1 of 2

Definition of overlooknext
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as in to dominate
to look down on the fortress overlooks the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in to possess
to cast a spell on the superstitious grandmother actually believed that the baby had been overlooked by a gypsy woman

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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overlook

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noun

as in lookout
a high place or structure from which a wide view is possible just down the road there's a great overlook where you can get a panoramic view of the valley below

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word overlook distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of overlook are disregard, forget, ignore, neglect, and slight. While all these words mean "to pass over without giving due attention," overlook suggests disregarding or ignoring through haste or lack of care.

in my rush I overlooked a key example

When would disregard be a good substitute for overlook?

While in some cases nearly identical to overlook, disregard suggests voluntary inattention.

disregarded the wishes of his family

When is it sensible to use forget instead of overlook?

While the synonyms forget and overlook 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

Where would ignore be a reasonable alternative to overlook?

The words ignore and overlook can be used in similar contexts, but ignore implies a failure to regard something obvious.

ignored the snide remark

When is neglect a more appropriate choice than overlook?

The words neglect and overlook are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, neglect implies giving insufficient attention to something that merits one's attention.

habitually neglected his studies

When can slight be used instead of overlook?

In some situations, the words slight and overlook 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 overlook
Verb
This development is often overlooked because many Western observers continue to see China’s space program as a purely state-run enterprise. Rainer Zitelmann, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The Behavioral Side Of Conservatism One aspect of retirement planning that often gets overlooked is behavior. Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
The Sky Room in the OPC Museum includes an overlook of the campus through the stone words on the obelisk's exterior. Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The 439-acre Black Rock State Park offers beautiful overlooks. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • The stock-specific approach contrasts with expectations that the surge in Korean and Taiwanese stock markets, dominated by local chip giants, would spill over into China more broadly.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • Mexico dominated much of the match, yet England overcame playing most of the second half a man down after a red card.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Swift will either ignore the noise as usual, or smile at the absurdity as a secure, proud childless cat lady.
    Bryan West, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Not only were the rules misapplied, according to an expert referee with years of elite experience, but similar plays during this tournament have been ignored.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • While older children can use sparklers, they should be supervised, Heckman said.
    Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Between there, and running upstairs to supervise fittings of his monumentally sculptural work with his stylist Tallulah Harlech, the designer caught a rare moment to sit and talk.
    Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Congress codified the ban into law in 2020, and said the F-35s could be transferred if Turkey no longer possessed the S-400s.
    Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The couple appeared in federal court on Monday, July 6, on charges of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Apple examines each application and each update of every third-party app, and if these don’t meet Apple’s definition of acceptable, then they are not allowed to be installed.
    Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026
  • These agencies examine the water in comparison to contamination thresholds to determine if the area is swimmable.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The situation is pressing, but Coleman still manages to make a connection.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • The platform has consistently managed volume over $1 billion daily since the soccer tournament began on June 11.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Dogs are natural lookouts who love to survey their territory.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Lin is asking collectors and vendors to be on the lookout and to let the arcade or police know if the cards are spotted.
    Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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