as in to disregard
to ignore in a disrespectful manner an able-bodied motorist openly flouting the law and parking in a space reserved for the disabled

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word flout distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flout are fleer, gibe, jeer, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

When can fleer be used instead of flout?

In some situations, the words fleer and flout are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

When would gibe be a good substitute for flout?

While in some cases nearly identical to flout, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

Where would jeer be a reasonable alternative to flout?

Although the words jeer and flout have much in common, jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When is it sensible to use scoff instead of flout?

The words scoff and flout can be used in similar contexts, but scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When might sneer be a better fit than flout?

While the synonyms sneer and flout are close in meaning, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flout The Public Integrity Section is responsible for bringing high profile cases against public officials who are accused of accepting bribes or flouting election laws. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025 Judge Boasberg called a hearing on March 17th to determine whether the Trump Administration had deliberately flouted his earlier order. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2025 Just because Healy has flouted the law along State Road A1A for more than 20 years does not give him the right to complain that he finally got caught! Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 The co-founders – Arthur Hayes, Benjamin Delo and Samuel Reed – previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to one count each of violating the Bank Secrecy Act for flouting money laundering rules and failing to police the exchange. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • The case has fueled concern among Democrats and legal scholars that President Trump is increasingly willing to disregard U.S. courts.
    Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Critics argue that Garcia's deportation reflects a broader pattern of disregarding constitutional rights, sparking concerns over the erosion of legal protections in the country's justice system.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Why are all these cases involving the coddling of savages who despise America seem to end up in front of card-carrying fellow travelers like Boasberg and Sorokin?
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Hamilton despised slavery and fought to end it — at least, that’s what most history books say.
    Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But do not forget to order the beloved DK bacon maple bar.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Don't forget to check out yesterday's Best Laptop Deal of the Day for April 15.
    Jade Chung-Lee, PC Magazine, 16 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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