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

In a cultural moment when flaunting a designer bag feels tone-deaf, food provides perfect cover. —Patrick Van Esch, The Conversation, 8 Apr. 2026

For the last few years he’s been uploading lush, fragmented swag rap to SoundCloud that’s as much about flaunting as getting in touch with his roots. —Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026

One such account, run by a Village de Dieu gang leader known as Izo, produces colorful music videos flaunting the group’s military-style body armor and weapons alongside shoes and jewelry. —Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026

The sun's clash with Jupiter inspires you to flaunt your influence. —Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Apr. 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