brushing off

VERB

ignore; refuse

Synonyms

WEAK

boycott cold-shoulder contradict cut deny disclaim dismiss disown disregard get rid of have no time for ostracize override rebuff reject repudiate scorn send away slight snub spurn sweep aside

Antonyms

WEAK

attend pay attention see

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

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.

“But I think that’s a lie,” she says, briskly brushing off the stories as a smear campaign concocted by Otso’s enemies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Meta and Google both vowed to appeal verdicts that were handed down by civil juries in Los Angeles County and Santa Fe, N.M., brushing off the losses as a bit of bad luck.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

The evidence suggests most Republicans are brushing off the intramural criticism.

From Slate • Mar. 23, 2026

As for Chalk brushing off critiques of Dick’s previous depictions, an actor shouldn’t have to care about his character’s reputation.

From Salon • Dec. 8, 2025

“Well!” said Raul, brushing off his uniform as though he’d touched something dirty.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer