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 humbling end to a mercifully brief career should be a warning to anyone else who might try to get elected by brazenly flouting the disclosure laws. Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026 Clearly, many universities and other organizations are flouting this common-sense practice. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2026 But SpaceX asked the FCC to deny the request, saying AST’s proposal would cause harmful interference and flout the Commission’s precedent on spectrum use. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 24 Apr. 2026 Lawmakers complained about practices like overbooking and increasingly crowded cabins that left passengers feeling more like cargo than customers, while industry groups worried flyers would feel entitled to flout the rules. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • In it, Hayek cautioned against the growing intellectual and political notions that disregarded liberty in favor of central planning of economic affairs.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
  • Trump has instituted a pay-to-play system for his allies and unilaterally started wars while disregarding Congress’s authority as a coequal branch of government.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Larysa was stuck in Belarus, a country allied with Russia that Nataliia despised and had refused to move to, despite her daughter’s many pleas.
    Lizzie Johnson, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Critics say this would come with strict reporting requirements, something dispensaries may despise and the DEA may not be ready for.
    Addy Bink, The Hill, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wilson has almost been forgotten and could make the difference.
    Abdul Rehman, New York Times, 7 May 2026
  • Bianca is her oldest and people forget that sometimes, caught up in the Jayden story.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

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