FLOUT Synonyms: 17 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

flout

verb

ˈflau̇t

Definition of flout next

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

Examples 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 Now, in elevating him to one of America’s premier diplomatic postings, Trump has managed to both insult our oldest ally and flout whatever remaining standards there are for holding a senior U.S. position. —

Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024 This may be the starkest example of the Biden administration’s appalling failure to hold Israel to account for flouting its humanitarian obligations in its war in Gaza. —

Jeremy Konyndyk, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2024 Government transparency and access to public records — critical parts of Florida’s Sunshine laws — are increasingly being flouted or simply ignored by politicians who want to draw a veil of secrecy across the state. —

Bobby Block, Orlando Sentinel, 16 Nov. 2024 Karen has touted prioritizing her parent’s legacy for multiple seasons, yet plainly flouted that to sort out a personal grievance. —

Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flout

Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout

Verb

But later during active public use, that very same AI overtly betrays that trusted promise and flagrantly disregards AI alignment.

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
What's New On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz disregarded tech billionaire Elon Musk's backing of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024