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 The lawsuit is really about whether LSU can flout the SEC's rules and bring back the pros. ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 On the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, AI’s foremost critic is flouting the dress code. Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 1 Sep. 2026 After eleven slaveholding states seceded to form the Confederacy, Republican lawmakers passed and Lincoln signed a bill that flouted Dred Scott by prohibiting slavery in the territories. Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Red tape, however, threatened to unravel the 12-show national trek, as Parton’s tour bus was found to flout the regulations. Lars Brandle, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • The records also show that Georgia officials may have disregarded their own financial policies.
    Max Blau, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The third juror told O’Connell the holdout juror disregarded certain information some of his fellow panelists – nurses among them – provided about Clancy’s toxicology report.
    Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And Hadl, who both was an assistant coach and later an administrator at KU, not to mention one of the greatest KU players of all time, also despised the Tigers.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
  • By the end, Moreno was as despised by his fanbase as any owner in baseball.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tamayo socialized and temporarily forgot what awaited at home.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, WWD reflects on the lives and lasting impact of a day no one, including the fashion industry, will forget.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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