Definitions

turn a deaf ear

VERB

disregard

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disobey forget neglect omit overlook

STRONG

cold-shoulder contemn despise discount disdain disparage fail miss overpass pooh-pooh scorn slight snub vilipend

WEAK

blink at brush aside brush away brush off have no use for laugh off leave out of account let go let off easy let pass live with look the other way pass over pay no attention to pay no heed to pay no mind shut eyes to take no notice of tune out turn a blind eye wink at

Antonyms

STRONGEST

regard remember

STRONG

admire approve compliment flatter like love praise succeed

WEAK

attend esteem note pay attention respect

VERB

sneeze at

Synonyms

WEAK

blink at brush aside brush away brush off discount have no use for laugh off let pass look the other way overlook pass over pay no attention to pay no heed to pay no mind shut eyes to slight snub take lightly take no notice of turn a blind eye

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 whenever I hear it now, I kind of turn a deaf ear to it, if that’s possible.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2026

“When I started the environmental education program I thought they were going to turn a deaf ear to us … and at first that happened,” Domínguez said.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 2, 2022

"I'm not blind to it. It's not like I turn a deaf ear to all of this," Tagovailoa explained.

From Fox News • Dec. 6, 2021

But the same media turn a deaf ear to the many articulate voices for justice and accountability that have been rising from all across this fracked nation, in their respective communities.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2018

Tell him the story of your wrongs, and, depend upon it, he will not turn a deaf ear to your complaint.

From The Monctons A Novel: Volume 2 (of 2) by Moodie, Susanna

turn a deaf ear

Example Sentences

Related Words