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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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 In these instances, Democrats don’t see judicial overreach but a president flouting the law. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025 Mutual accusations on energy targets On Friday, each side accused each other again of flouting their agreement. Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025 In October 2020, he was booked for the show and then un-booked, after being seen on video flouting pandemic protocols in the days leading up to the show by kissing multiple woman at a party. Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Mar. 2025 Mutual accusations on energy targets On Friday, each side accused each other again of flouting their agreement. Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth, USA Today, 4 Apr. 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
  • The tech worker didn’t vote in the 2024 election, despising Trump but unimpressed with Kamala Harris.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Coop’s ex-wife doesn’t completely despise him, and Amanda Peet manages to give her more dimension than what’s on the page.
    Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But do not forget to order the beloved DK bacon maple bar.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Confirming Logistics with Moving Service Katie Weissert, sales director at Reindeer Logistics, says many people forget to confirm moving day logistics with their relocation service.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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