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 One bill in Georgia would block early voting on Sundays, which critics quickly labeled a flagrant attempt to thwart Souls to the Polls, the Democratic turnout effort that targets Black churchgoers on the final Sunday before an election. — Amy Gardner, Anchorage Daily News, "In states, a new push for voting restrictions," 20 Feb. 2021 James was assessed a flagrant 1, but Embiid thought the penalty should have been more severe. — Ky Carlin, USA TODAY, "Sixers' Joel Embiid thinks Lakers' LeBron James should have been ejected for 'dangerous' flagrant foul," 28 Jan. 2021 Officials reviewed the play and called a flagrant two foul on Murray and ejected him from the game. — Selby Lopez, Dallas News, "Watch: Denver’s Jamal Murray ejected after racking Tim Hardaway Jr., sparking Mavs 3rd-quarter run," 25 Jan. 2021 The most flagrant abuses included indiscriminate baton and pepper spray use, inconsistent enforcement of curfews and excessive crowd control that heightened tensions, the city determined. — Erik Larson, Bloomberg.com, "NYPD Is Accused of Abuse in N.Y. Lawsuit Over BLM Protests," 14 Jan. 2021 The play was reviewed and Cousins was given a flagrant 2 foul and ejected. — Kristie Rieken, Chron, "Anthony Davis has 27 points as Lakers roll past Rockets," 10 Jan. 2021 Iran’s growing array of missiles, its proxy militias and political meddling, which have extended Tehran’s influence across the Middle East, and the regime’s flagrant human-rights abuses? — Robin Wright, The New Yorker, "Biden Faces a Minefield in New Diplomacy with Iran," 4 Jan. 2021 Five holding flags in a stretch of 10 snaps may have been an unofficial team record, and Cowboys Hall of Fame QB Troy Aikman on the Fox telecast noted a flagrant hold that wasn’t whistled. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Steelers long shots to go 16-0 — but 2020 wrinkles improve the odds," 23 Nov. 2020 The flagrant not-working of the old method is reason enough to try a new one. — Washington Post, "Carolyn Hax: The parent who has to be the ‘bad cop’ is feeling blue," 8 Nov. 2020

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.