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 Carrington committed a dirty, flagrant worthy play that could have seriously injured Cunningham, leaving her bloodied in the mouth from the contact. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Thomas was fined and received a flagrant penalty 2 after the fact. Annie Costabile, New York Times, 22 July 2026 The Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas has received a flagrant foul penalty and been suspended for one game after hitting Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark in the throat during a game Wednesday night, the WNBA said Thursday. CBS News, 25 June 2026 Wembanyama then earned his third flagrant point of the playoffs when he was called for a flagrant 1 foul in Game 4 for catching Towns in the chin with an elbow. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • Some critics have argued that the watermark will prove largely ineffective for flagging anything short of blatant chatbot use.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Compounding this economic instability is blatant domestic corruption defined by self-enrichment.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In a second half filled with indictments on Imai’s inauspicious season, few seem more glaring than this.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • His job is the installation of decibel meters, which trigger a glaring blue light when excessive levels of noise are reached — as happens here, though the rowdy patrons aren’t deterred.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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