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 Moral rectitude, in some left-wing corners of the commentariat, is out; flagrant disregard of the social contract is in. Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026 Ball ended up being fined $60,000 for his actions during the game ($35,000 for the foul, $25,000 for postgame profanity on TV) and assessed a flagrant foul. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026 That should’ve been a flagrant foul. Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 Kings coach Doug Christie was pleased with the way his young players responded in an intense and physical game with three technical fouls, two flagrant fouls and one ejection. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • The rogues’ gallery of killers released by the Parole Board came with rap sheets often marked by blatant disregard for human life.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 15 May 2026
  • Once beloved, Miasma fell from grace over the years thanks to a series of shitty sequels plus later generations’ reappraisal of the films’ blatant misogyny and transphobia.
    Rachel Handler, Vulture, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • One of the most glaring gaps lies between the infrared and millimeter-wavelength radio observations, but the Probe Far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics (PRIMA) would fill much of it.
    Phil Plait, Scientific American, 15 May 2026
  • The dropoff for Tuch is the most glaring.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The old gunslinger makes the most of an AFC without an obvious favorite and rides off after one last trip into the playoffs, this one coming with a postseason win.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Neural activation and event consolidation seem too bureaucratic, even obvious.
    Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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