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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.

“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

They could plead that the change is just a technicality, but their lenders may turn a deaf ear.

From Economist • Nov. 14, 2013

He tried as hard as he could to turn a deaf ear to the calling.

From The Daughter Pays by Reynolds, Mrs. Baillie