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 Officials deemed the play worthy of a flagrant 1 foul, giving Okongwu two free throws and Atlanta possession. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 29 Jan. 2026 Matas Vokietaitis, from Lithuania, and Auburn's Filip Jovic have engaged in an Eastern Europe slugfest for the past few minutes, and Vokietaitis draws a flagrant 1 foul. Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Jan. 2026 Officials reviewed the play for a possible flagrant foul, but it was ruled a common foul. Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 The Tigers were called for a flagrant foul, giving Florida two free throws and the ball. Mark Long, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • Based on the public defender’s account, Bell appeared at best ambivalent in the face of blatant prosecutorial misconduct.
    Beandrea July, IndieWire, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Physician executives worry less about blatant misinformation than about patients making small, seemingly reasonable changes — skipping doses, stopping medications, or adjusting timing — based on confident but incomplete explanations.
    Sylvana Quader Sinha, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The hypocrisy is glaring, of course.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026
  • The outcome is the latest warning sign ‒ and the most glaring to date ‒ of a potential blue wave during the 2026 midterms as Democrats look to take control of the House and Senate.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • After Son left in the summer to join MLS side Los Angeles FC, there was no obvious alternative apart from Guglielmo Vicario.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
  • If the main subject isn’t obvious across most frames, the video often won’t show up in search.
    Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.

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