Definition of flagrantnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flagrant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flagrant are glaring, gross, and rank. While all these words 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

In what contexts can glaring take the place of flagrant?

The synonyms glaring and flagrant are sometimes interchangeable, but glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

Where would gross be a reasonable alternative to flagrant?

The words gross and flagrant can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

When could rank be used to replace flagrant?

The words rank and flagrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of flagrant Early in the second half, with Michigan State leading 42-39, Michigan State’s Jalyn Brown was called for a flagrant foul. Cliff Brunt, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026 Early in the second half, with Michigan State leading 42-39, Michigan State's Jalyn Brown was called for a flagrant foul. ABC News, 22 Mar. 2026 Fears struggles to keep his emotions in check and has been whistled for technical and flagrant fouls for dirty plays. Lindsay Schnell, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026 Dort received a flagrant two for it, resulting in an automatic ejection. Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • Illinois and Chicago are high-tax, big-promise blue strongholds with long, tawdry histories of waste, fraud, patronage, insider deals and blatant corruption.
    Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, called the dinner a blatant pay-for–access scheme.
    Ben Weiss, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Those who knew the couple told the Herald there were no glaring red flags.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
  • But the drop in shot attempts is most glaring — and the most damning indictment of Brown’s new offense.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Chapman followed with an RBI single, and the crowd cheered as many fans jumped to their feet in obvious relief.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The voice on Lars’s tablet insisted that teaching was one of the most obvious tasks to delegate to humanoids.
    Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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