flaunt

verb

ˈflȯnt 

ˈflänt

flaunted; flaunting; flaunts

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

flaunt noun

flauntingly

ˈflȯn-tiŋ-lē 

ˈflän-

adverb

flaunty

ˈflȯn-tē 

ˈflän-

adjective

Flaunt vs. Flout: Usage Guide

The "treat contemptuously" use of flaunt found in phrases like "those who flaunt the rules/laws" is common in informal use and sometimes appears in polished and published writing.

… meting out punishment to the occasional mavericks who operate rigged games, tolerate rowdyism, or otherwise flaunt the law.

—Oscar Lewis

"Obviously they're not wearing their cams," Robert told her. "So they're flaunting the rules."

—David Gilbert

This use undoubtedly arose from confusion with flout, however, and is considered by many to be incorrect. Use of flout in the sense of "flaunt, parade" is also found occasionally.

"The proper pronunciation," the blonde said, flouting her refined upbringing, "is pree feeks."

—Mike Royko

Synonyms of flaunt

• display
• show
• exhibit
• unveil
• expose
• flash

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

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

Other highlights include a formal dining room embellished with wainscoting, a movie theater, a game room with a wet bar, and a wine cellar, plus a second-floor primary suite flaunting two private balconies. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

The space was filled with a label-loving mix of South Koreans and international guests—many flaunting Hermès baby Birkins and Dior Book Totes—lounging on benches or checking in and out. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026

Much of the piece is simply flaunting the access (detailed descriptions of the scene as the writer, Jeremy Stern, waits to talk to Mark, or his parents, his wife) and clears his throat. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

This fan favorite from Vivaia comes in to save the day and your bunions alike — flaunting a super-stretchy, custom-fit shaft plus upper, impressive arch support, and special honeycomb cushioning to mimic the sensation of walking on clouds. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse flana to rush around

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing flaunt

• if you've got it, flaunt it

Rhymes for flaunt

• daunt
• font
• gaunt
• haunt
• jaunt
• pont
• taunt
• vaunt
• want
• avant
• croissant
• detente

Kids Definition

flaunt

verb

ˈflȯnt 

ˈflänt

1

: to wave or flutter in a showy way

a flag flaunting in the breeze

2

: to make a big show of : parade

flaunting their knowledge