flagrant

adjective

fla·​grant ˈflā-grənt How to pronounce flagrant (audio)
 also  ˈfla-
1
: conspicuously offensive
flagrant errors
especially : so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality
flagrant violations of human rights
2
archaic : fiery hot : burning
flagrantly adverb

Did you know?

In Latin, flagrare means "to burn," and flagrans means "burning" or "fiery hot" (both literally and figuratively). When it was first used in the 16th century, flagrant had the same meaning as flagrans, but by the 18th century it had acquired its current meaning of "conspicuously bad." Some usage commentators warn against using flagrant and blatant interchangeably. While both words denote conspicuousness, they are not exact synonyms. Blatant is usually used of some person, action, or thing that attracts disapproving attention (e.g., "a blatant grammatical error"). Flagrant is used similarly, but usually carries a heavier weight of violated morality (e.g., "flagrant abuse of public office").

Choose the Right Synonym for flagrant

flagrant, glaring, gross, rank mean conspicuously bad or objectionable.

flagrant applies usually to offenses or errors so bad that they can neither escape notice nor be condoned.

flagrant abuse of the office of president

glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Examples of flagrant in a Sentence

flagrant abuse of the law her flagrant disregard for other people's rights
Recent Examples on the Web If flagrant violations took place, the company will want to try to avoid a public relations fiasco. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 During the broadcast, announcer Robbie Hummel commented on the flagrant foul by Gunn. Evan Frank, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Jan. 2024 At a House hearing just last week, for instance, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) staged an attack on COVID vaccines consisting of misleading statistics presented out of context, unverified claims of side effects and flagrant misstatements about the consequences of COVID infection. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 Yes, without a doubt, the recent spat of flagrant fouls is concerning. Zach Osterman, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Jan. 2024 The Sun Devils remained poised throughout, unlike the last game in which they got called for four technical fouls and a flagrant foul that helped UCLA rally from a 16-point deficit. Michelle Gardner, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024 The day also included a flagrant foul that raised the tension between the two teams. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 Feb. 2024 The Lakers felt the incidents should have led to Brooks’ ejection; he was only issued a flagrant foul for the hit on James. Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 2024 It was ruled a flagrant foul, thus Lipsey hit 1 of 2 technical foul shots and 1 of 2 more on the foul on the layup. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flagrant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin flagrant-, flagrans, present participle of flagrare to burn — more at black entry 1

First Known Use

1513, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of flagrant was in 1513

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Dictionary Entries Near flagrant

Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagrant. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flagrant

adjective
fla·​grant ˈflā-grənt How to pronounce flagrant (audio)
: so bad as to be impossible to overlook : outrageous
a flagrant lie
flagrantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on flagrant

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