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 More broadly, this is about how FIFA's absurd governance structure has allowed Gianni Infantino to openly flout the organization's rules and act in ways that are both dangerous and directly contrary to the interests of the world’s most popular sport. Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 The broadcasters who had threatened to boycott the event cited the death count in Gaza and accused Israel of flouting rules meant to guard the contest's neutrality. Olivia Le Poidevin, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025 They were routinely mistreated by employers who flouted wage, food, and housing guarantees. Time, 4 Dec. 2025 This was a concerted effort to flout the law to escape justice. Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • Reynolds and others also complained that commissioners disregarded previous wetland-restoration work that Kelly performed on the site.
    Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Advising a homeowners association used to occasionally be very stressful, especially when directors would argue with me or a board would disregard my advice.
    Kelly G. Richardson, Oc Register, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The talent to look into a mirror and not despise the person staring at me.
    Keith McNally, Vanity Fair, 20 Jan. 2026
  • For the many Venezuelans who despised Maduro and his rule, that is disappointing.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Galaxy also want to forget about 2025 when the club finished near the bottom of the Western Conference.
    Damian Calhoun, Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield clearly hasn’t forgotten how his time in Cleveland ended after taking a shot at new Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski Tuesday night.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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