General:
* Ignore: This implies a complete disregard for something.
* Neglect: This suggests a failure to pay attention to something.
* Overlook: This means to fail to notice or consider something.
Specific to exploration:
* Exploit: This implies using something for personal gain, the opposite of exploring for understanding.
* Avoid: This suggests actively steering clear of something.
* Dismiss: This means to reject or disregard something as unimportant.
The best antonym will depend on the specific meaning of "explore" in the context of your sentence.