flaunt

verb

\ ˈflȯnt

, ˈflänt\

flaunted; flaunting; flaunts

Definition of flaunt

intransitive verb

1 : to display or obtrude oneself to public notice a great flaunting crowd— Charles Dickens

2 : to wave or flutter showily the flag flaunts in the breeze

transitive verb

1 : to display ostentatiously or impudently : parade flaunting his superiority a chance to flaunt clothes, bodies, and sexuality — New Yorker

2 : to treat contemptuously flaunted the rules— Louis Untermeyer

Other Words from flaunt Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Flaunt vs. Flout: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about flaunt

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Other Words from flaunt

flaunt noun

flauntingly \ ˈflȯn-tiŋ-lē

, ˈflän- \ adverb

flaunty \ ˈflȯn--tē

, ˈflän- \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for flaunt

show, exhibit, display, expose, parade, flaunt mean to present so as to invite notice or attention. show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine. showed her snapshots to the whole group exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly. exhibit paintings at a gallery display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage. display sale items expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying. sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying. parading their piety for all to see flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading. nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

Flaunt vs. Flout: Usage Guide

Although the "treat contemptuously" sense of flaunt undoubtedly arose from confusion with flout, the contexts in which it appears cannot be called substandard. meting out punishment to the occasional mavericks who operate rigged games, tolerate rowdyism, or otherwise flaunt the law — Oscar Lewis observed with horror the flaunting of their authority in the suburbs, where men … put up buildings that had no place at all in a Christian commonwealth — Marchette Chute in our profession … very rarely do we publicly chastise a colleague who has flaunted our most basic principles — R. T. Blackburn, AAUP Bull. If you use it, however, you should be aware that many people will consider it a mistake. Use of flout in the sense of "flaunt, parade" is found occasionally. "The proper pronunciation," the blonde said, flouting her refined upbringing, "is pree feeks" — Mike Royko

Examples of flaunt in a Sentence

She liked to flaunt her wealth by wearing furs and jewelry. They openly flaunted the rules.

Recent Examples on the Web

Ricki starred in the 1988 version of Hairspray as Tracy Turnblad (who flaunted really big hair). — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Get All 'The Masked Singer' Spoilers You Could Ever Want," 10 Jan. 2019 Women over 40 are told to play it safe with fashion and African Americans who flaunt their wealth, including Obama herself, tend to be criticized for not showing humility. — Nadra Nittle, Vox, "“Now, I’m free to do whatever”: Michelle Obama explains her $3,900 Balenciaga boots," 20 Dec. 2018 As The Knot points out, on June 8 Ariana performed at the Wango Tango concert proudly flaunting a giant diamond ring. — Avery Matera, Teen Vogue, "Ariana Grande Wears Possible Engagement Ring From Pete Davidson to Wango Tango," 12 June 2018 Not only were there snow machines galore, but each co-host flaunted a cute hat or headband and sweater from Whoopi's Christmas sweater line. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Watch Darlene Love's Breathtaking Performance of "Christmas" on 'The View'," 13 Dec. 2018 One commander, Haitham Tajouri, drew attention by posting photos to Facebook flaunting his lavish lifestyle — foreign vacations, designer suits and an armored SUV — at a time when many Libyans were wallowing in economic hardship. — Suliman Ali Zway, The Seattle Times, "In Libya, Facebook is used to buy arms, locate foes and kill them," 3 Sep. 2018 Unlike Beyoncé's Instagram-shattering picture in 2017, Cardi is wearing no clothes while flaunting her baby bump. — Carl Lamarre, Billboard, "Cardi B & Offset Welcome Their First Child Kulture Kiari Cephus," 11 July 2018 While the new vehicles flaunt considerable character, their endurance is unproven. — Casey Williams, chicagotribune.com, "Alfa Romeo graduates with beautiful vehicles, better quality in return to U.S.," 27 Apr. 2017 More than just an opportunity to flaunt their impeccable style, the Ambani wedding holds special significance for Jonas and Chopra. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "Of Course, Priyanka Chopra Wore Couture to Her Best Friend’s Wedding," 12 Dec. 2018

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