overlook 1 of 2

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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

2 of 2

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
Tillman's recognition comes during Severance's dominant awards season, with the Apple TV+ series earning 27 Emmy nominations this year—a significant jump from 14 nominations in 2022 when Tillman was notably overlooked. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025 Middle managers are often overlooked, overworked, and underappreciated. Dr. Cynthia J. Young, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
The ledges rise to about 3,200 feet, with hikers climbing roughly 1,200 feet from the trailhead to reach the overlook. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 Enjoy hiking trails with scenic overlooks and opportunities for paddling ⛵ and fishing near the river’s headwaters. Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for overlook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overlook
Verb
  • For many on the Right, Carr is a welcome protector of conservative views on broadcast networks that Republicans say have long been dominated by liberal positions.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The question now, which has dominated all public debate in Lebanon, is how the Lebanese army will actually disarm Hezbollah.
    Bilal Y. Saab, Time, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • What wasn’t said is hard to ignore.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Congress and state legislatures should investigate and hold the FDA accountable for ignoring overwhelming evidence of harm.
    Lila Rose, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Vicencio’s criminal history in the county outlines struggles with mental health, and legal trouble over gun possession; he was supervised under the court’s mental-health treatment division for much of 2022.
    Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • After that, the rtw was designed by a team supervised by managing director Georgina Brandolini.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The deal will make Thailand the sixth Southeast Asian nation to possess submarines, with Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam, according to Asian Military Review.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Also in the suit is a chart that lists five brokers that allegedly controlled 6,345 Ticketmaster accounts and possessed 246,407 concert tickets to 2,594 events.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The pee is then examined for clarity, which is supposed to indicate purity.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Michigan Court of Appeals concluded that the MPSC appropriately examined the location of the Line 5 replacement segment within the Great Lakes Tunnel, consistent with Michigan law.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If a Manchester United fan missed this game (good call, by the way) and just looked at the post-match stats, they could be forgiven for thinking their boys put up a decent display.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Both characters struggle to forgive themselves for past mistakes and are reluctant to dive back into relationships.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Local police sought to have an alert sent out the Friday before they were found dead, but the agency that manages the program in Washington state declined to do so.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Gold Reserve exists today to manage legal claims, and not to operate mines or refineries.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • You’ll be shaded by towering pine trees, scramble over rocks and somewhat rough terrain, and have plenty of opportunity to stop at various lookouts on the way.
    Rebecca Deurlein, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • While on site, adjust your path to coordinate with feeding times and notice the many art installations, many of which look like real animals, so be on the lookout.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Overlook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overlook. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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