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 Syria's foreign ministry said several civilians were injured and called the strike a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty. — Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026 Syria’s Foreign Ministry said several civilians were injured and called the strike a flagrant violation of the country’s sovereignty. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026 The aftermath of a flagrant 2 foul by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington against Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham set off a firestorm of speculation that all is not well in the Fever locker room. — Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 People who once couldn’t name three WNBA players suddenly have opinions about officiating, flagrant fouls and league discipline. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • The move appeared as a blatant response to stadium owner Robert Kraft’s role in having rapper Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That said, even in a sport now infamous for quick cash grabs, this feels like the most blatant of them all.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite internal dissent within the intelligence community and a glaring lack of hard evidence, the media did little to challenge these claims.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Oct. 2026
  • One glaring example is the current hurricane season in the Atlantic Basin.
    — Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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