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 The game turned chippy when Dunn got into a scuffle with Jaden McDaniels less than two minutes into the third quarter, resulting in Dunn getting slapped with a technical foul and McDaniels a flagrant 1 foul. Janis Carr, Oc Register, 27 Feb. 2026 And it’s been hard lately not to notice the trend toward more flagrant male transgression out in the open—more performative vice signaling among some of the most powerful people in the world. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 2026 More to the point, the government's understaffing and high caseload is a problem of its own making and absolutely does not justify flagrant disobedience of court orders. Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026 Congress is a hive of low-character performance, full of individuals who have supplanted their responsibilities to the Constitution and the public interest with flagrant careerism. Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • While 140 children were miraculously unharmed, the community remains shaken by this blatant terror.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The real threat to Americans is our headlong rush toward normalizing blatant murder, whether that be of nameless occupants of motorboats in the Caribbean, schoolgirls in Iran or United States citizens in the streets of Minneapolis.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The most glaring examples are his bold, brilliant strikes against Venezuela and Iran, militarily brilliant in concept and execution.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
  • For prospective investors, one of the most glaring concerns from Cerebras' original prospectus was its reliance on a single customer based in the Middle East.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • There was no obvious precipitating event, but the encroachment of Grok seemed foreboding.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
  • What is obvious is the Dolphins aren’t going the Wizards route.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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