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 Despite blatantly flouting regulations, these companies have continued to dodge responsibility and consequences. Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 Videos on Iranian social media showed many women at the cafes flouting mandatory veiling laws, and crowds mixing freely. ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 The American Horror Story actress opened up about her decision to flout bridal style norms in an interview with Vogue by choosing the black corset-style top trimmed with Chantilly lace, and a matching silk organza skirt. Lara Walsh, InStyle, 29 July 2026 While a few newsstands have found interesting items to sell for less than $10 — a Midtown newsstand is selling zines and ceramics, for example — others are flouting the law and selling everything from scarves and hats to costume jewelry. Anne Kadet, Curbed, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • Ellison says that email was sent to the company's firearms compliance team, but a team member admitted to disregarding the email in a deposition.
    Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Given the amount of money floating in major college athletics these days, disregard the alarmists who declare that college football is dying, or unsustainable.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Those of us who despise Trumpism too rarely asked ourselves whether Trump’s efforts to conceal an apparently consensual relationship with Stormy Daniels were the proper grounds for prosecution.
    Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Overnight, this 54-year-old Southern Californian began dealing with acid reflux, random bloating, constipation, and a rebelling digestive system that suddenly despised her favorite foods.
    Cheryl Fenton, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • As if things weren’t already bleak, Milwaukee was gifted its 21st run after Julio Rodríguez forgot how many outs there were in the bottom of the eighth.
    Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Now Centennial has one of the best running backs in the state in Malaki Davis, plus Mater Dei transfer Kennie Leggett, so Drake starts his senior year pretty much forgotten and on the bench.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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