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

Synonym Chooser

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 Seventeen inspectors general at multiple federal agencies were terminated, with the administration flouting the 30 days advanced notice required by law. Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 29 Jan. 2025 Time and time again, Russia has flouted those assurances. John Shelton, National Review, 28 Feb. 2025 The Hill: Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily delayed a midnight deadline for the Trump administration to unfreeze nearly $2 billion in foreign aid payments, imposed by a lower judge who found the administration had flouted his ruling. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2025 Ali Smith scrambles plotlines, upends characters, and flouts chronology—while telling propulsively readable stories. Adam Begley, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • In other words, the excess of the original debt over the amount determined to have been due can be disregarded in calculating gross income.
    Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Others, however, pointed out that there may be more nuance to the situation — and that the OP disregarding his mother’s wishes could have serious consequences.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • President Trump famously despises leaks within his administration.
    Cate Martel, The Hill, 26 Mar. 2025
  • As our story made clear, Vought despises the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies, a core Republican ally in bringing conservative voices into the judiciary and federal law enforcement.
    Stephen Engelberg, ProPublica, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Importantly for Coleman, Barry has never forgotten who has done well by him.
    Simon Hughes, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
  • From the start, many critics worried that school summer vacations would lead students to forget their lessons and waste time in unhealthy idleness.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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