Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flagrant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flagrant are glaring, gross, and rank. While all these words 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

In what contexts can glaring take the place of flagrant?

The synonyms glaring and flagrant are sometimes interchangeable, but glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

Where would gross be a reasonable alternative to flagrant?

The words gross and flagrant can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

When could rank be used to replace flagrant?

The words rank and flagrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Examples of flagrant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Washington’s appeals for a stronger global response to Russia’s flagrant violations of international law—which undermine the interests of all countries—mostly fell on deaf ears in Southeast Asia. Lynn Kuok, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2024 At least the centerpiece of the Democratic campaign will no longer be a flagrant falsehood that nearly everyone recognizes as such. The Editors, National Review, 21 July 2024 Reading through the report, Leah was shocked to discover flagrant purchases like Jacksonville Jaguars tickets. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 6 Sep. 2024 He was helped in no small measure by a flagrant case of political malpractice, when Metzenbaum accused the astronaut and war hero of never having held a real job. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 30 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for flagrant 

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.

Podcast

Thesaurus Entries Near flagrant

Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on flagrant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!