as in to disregard
to ignore in a disrespectful manner an able-bodied motorist openly flouting the law and parking in a space reserved for the disabled

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word flout distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flout are fleer, gibe, jeer, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

When can fleer be used instead of flout?

In some situations, the words fleer and flout are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

When would gibe be a good substitute for flout?

While in some cases nearly identical to flout, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

Where would jeer be a reasonable alternative to flout?

Although the words jeer and flout have much in common, jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When is it sensible to use scoff instead of flout?

The words scoff and flout can be used in similar contexts, but scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When might sneer be a better fit than flout?

While the synonyms sneer and flout are close in meaning, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

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 flout Meanwhile, the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement have been openly flouted. Mulugeta Gebrehiwot Berhe, Foreign Affairs, 5 Aug. 2025 If true, the evasion flouts Internet norms in place for more than three decades. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025 Both Israel and Qatar have been accused by their respective critics of flouting U.S. law by employing under-the-table foreign influence efforts. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 28 July 2025 Arizona's Department of Health Services fined Full Spectrum Lab $120,000 flouting the state's cannabis testing anti-nepotism law. Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • The blood of our soldiers is not to be disregarded.
    Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The value of quality time with your kids Many parenting experts do caution parents not to completely disregard their own well-being, even when prioritizing their child’s health and development.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Many people fear them, attack them, or despise them.
    Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Critics say this would come with strict reporting requirements, something dispensaries may despise and the DEA may not be ready for.
    Addy Bink, The Hill, 12 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Tristano said the 30-year-old incident and Jack in the Box’s previous failure to conquer the Chicago market during its first go-round will likely be forgotten by most consumers in the 2025 reboot.
    Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
  • It was announced well before the release of Cyberpunk 2077 and mostly forgotten about in the wake of the disastrous launch of that game.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 29 Aug. 2025.

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