flagrant

adjective

fla·grant | \ ˈflā-grənt also ˈfla-

Definition of flagrant

1 : conspicuously offensive flagrant errors especially : so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality flagrant violations of human rights

2 archaic : fiery hot : burning

Other Words from flagrant Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about flagrant

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Choose the Right Synonym for flagrant

flagrant, glaring, gross, rank mean conspicuously bad or objectionable. flagrant applies usually to offenses or errors so bad that they can neither escape notice nor be condoned. flagrant abuse of the office of president glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper. glaring errors gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits. gross carelessness rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned. rank heresy

Did You Know?

In Latin, flagrare means "to burn," and flagrans means "burning" or "fiery hot" (both literally and figuratively). When it was first used in the 16th century, "flagrant" had the same meaning as "flagrans," but by the 18th century it had acquired its current meaning of "conspicuously bad." Some usage commentators warn against using "flagrant" and "blatant" interchangeably. While both words denote conspicuousness, they are not exact synonyms. "Blatant" is usually used of some person, action, or thing that attracts disapproving attention (e.g., "a blatant grammatical error"). "Flagrant" is used similarly, but usually carries a heavier weight of violated morality (e.g., "flagrant abuse of public office").

Examples of flagrant in a Sentence

flagrant abuse of the law her flagrant disregard for other people's rights

Recent Examples on the Web

Brown was charged with a technical foul while Cambage received a flagrant foul. — Mia Berry, latimes.com, "Tough defense helps lift Sparks over Aces," 27 June 2019 In need a spark, the Fever got just that after a flagrant foul sent Natalie Achonwa tumbling into the stanchion. — Akeem Glaspie, Indianapolis Star, "Fever overcome 22-point deficit before losing late to Lynx," 26 June 2019 The officials reviewed the play and ruled it a flagrant foul. — Doug Feinberg, The Seattle Times, "Dangerfield helps UConn beat UCLA 69-61 in Sweet 16," 29 Mar. 2019 After hitting LeBron James in the groin area late in the Warriors’ Game 4 win in 2016, Green later received a flagrant 1. — Matt Schneidman, The Mercury News, "Warriors’ Draymond Green has to be extra careful in Game 6," 12 June 2019 After swiping at LeBron James’ groin in the Warriors’ Game 4 win that year, Green received a flagrant-1, putting him over the flagrant-foul-point threshold and earning him a suspension for Game 5. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors’ Draymond Green has incentive to be on best behavior in Game 6," 12 June 2019 The public impeachment hearings against Barr for flagrant criminal conduct exposes and dooms the current administration. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Impeaching Barr the best path to remove Trump," 6 June 2019 Jerebko was handed a flagrant I for a foul on Zach Collins in the second quarter. — Anne M. Peterson, The Seattle Times, "Green, Warriors beat Blazers for 3-0 lead in West finals," 19 May 2019 The Sooners trailed 53-51 when Baylor was called for a flagrant foul. — Jason Orts, The Seattle Times, "Bandoo leads Baylor past Oklahoma to end two-game skid," 11 Feb. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'flagrant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.