Definition of floutnext
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 Groups of implicatures Grice identified three broad groups of implicatures generated through the observance, violation, or flouting of maxims in keeping with the cooperative principle. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026 Jenner flouted wedding guest dress code in a show-stealing plunging corset gown. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 21 Sep. 2026 Yet more than 80 businesses apparently flouted LegitScript's rules while touting its seal of approval, a CBS News investigation found. — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026 Hundreds of protesters rallied outside Israel’s embassy in Bangkok, demanding that foreign visitors — especially Israelis — stop flouting Thai laws and customs as anger over tourist misconduct spills into the streets. — Jintamas Saksornchai, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • But in a new essay in Foreign Affairs, McRaven focuses not on the potential of military force but on its limits—limits that American policymakers frequently disregard, at immense cost.
    — William H. McRaven, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Their attorneys argued that commissioners disregarded professional review and relied instead on generalized neighborhood opposition.
    — Sarah Kinbar, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, many voters in his Southern Illinois district despise him.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 14 Oct. 2026
  • For Republicans, well, there’s not much downside at all, except for those that truly despise green power or, perhaps wisely, fear increasing federal authority over local permitting matters.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Would Azriel, the third and final bad-boy faerie of the Night Court’s royal family, end up with Elain, the unhappy and often forgotten youngest sister of the Night Court’s High Lady, Feyre?
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Don’t forget that many of the prewar family-size apartments all over the Upper West Side were chopped up into multiple units during the Great Depression, too.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 28 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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