Synonyms for

Shrug

Verb / ʃrʌg / Another word for shrug — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to raise and lower the shoulders slightly to show doubt, lack of knowledge, or indifference

Synonyms & similar words

shoulder-shrug hunch raise lift jerk wince flinch blink sway rock bounce jiggle bob jolt twitch quiver shake shiver shudder tremble

Synonyms by register

Formal

dismiss disregard ignore neglect

Informal

blow off brush off wave away discount

Literary

indifference apathy

Antonyms

care concern interest attention engagement involvement

Common collocations

  • shrug shoulders
  • shrug off responsibility
  • shrug in agreement
  • shrug with indifference
  • shrug in response
  • shrug away doubt

Word family

noun shrug
verb shrug

Usage note

The verb 'shrug' is most commonly used in the phrase 'shrug one's shoulders' to express indifference or a lack of knowledge. It can also be used to mean dismissing something, as in 'shrug off criticism'.

Example sentences

  1. He shrugged his shoulders and walked away.
  2. She gave a little shrug and smiled.
  3. I didn't understand what he was saying, so I just shrugged.
  4. He shrugged off the insult and continued with his work.
  5. The teacher asked a question, and the student just shrugged in response.

Quotes

  • "I don't know," I said with a shrug.
  • He gave a shrug and went back to his book.
  • She shrugged and said, "It doesn't matter to me."

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