Definitions

brush off

[bruhsh-awf, -of] / ˈbrʌʃˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

VERB

ignore

Synonyms

WEAK

boycott brush aside cold-shoulder contradict cut deny disclaim dismiss disown disregard ostracize override rebuff refuse reject repudiate scorn send away slight snub spurn sweep aside

Antonyms

WEAK

attend pay attention

NOUN

dismissal

Synonyms

STRONG

cold shoulder combat denial difference dismissal disregard go-by rebuff rejection repulse slight traversal

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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brush off

Then they brush off their hands and walk away, leaving the fires to burn behind them.

From Slate ● Jul. 2, 2026

Earlier in the day, Wall Street appeared to brush off hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation data and comments from the president about the possible strikes.

From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026

Financial planners who brush off crypto and reject it outright risk alienating these potential clients.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 20, 2026

Blane might have to brush off Duckie’s occasional curtness, but that’s the extent of his woes.

From Salon ● Feb. 28, 2026

I tried to brush off the feeling, especially when I sat with my aunts in the warmth of their home, eating their good food, and watching their magical spinning and knitting and weaving.

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

brush off

Example Sentences

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