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 Civil liberties groups called the suspension a flagrant violation of the First Amendment. Amanda Castro shane Croucher anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025 But referees are also allowed to disqualify a player when the foul is particularly flagrant. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 This flagrant exclusion of such a win-win prospect largely stems from the aversion many environmental activists have of any potential solution that might lead to complacence on aggregate consumption. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025 The flagrant hypocrisy may not matter to those who believe that criticism of Zionism and Israel too often masks antisemitism and that the safety of Jewish students on college campuses is at stake. Eyal Press, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • These youth protesters oppose the Ruto government over living standards, often blatant government corruption, and its heavy hand toward demonstrators.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 2024 three-part docuseries American Nightmare dives headfirst into several thought-provoking issues, like victim blaming and the glaring inadequacies in the criminal justice system.
    James Mercadante, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025
  • It’s already identified glaring holes in popular software, including the Chrome web browser, and its success suggests that widespread automatic patching of security flaws may be just around the corner.
    Big Think, Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • With its investments in AI infrastructure and obvious strengths on the power front, this is a country that is building out data centers and positioning itself as a hub for AI, entertainment, sports, finance, high-tech manufacturing and more.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The analyst pointed to Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform, as an obvious artificial intelligence beneficiary.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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