flaunt 1 of 4

Definition of flauntnext

flaunting

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noun

as in display
an outward and often exaggerated indication of something abstract (as a feeling) for effect at first, her flaunting of her affection for her boyfriend was funny, but after a while it became tiresome

Synonyms & Similar Words

flaunting

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adjective

flaunting

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verb (2)

present participle of flaunt

Synonym Chooser

How is the word flaunt different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of flaunt are display, exhibit, expose, parade, and show. While all these words mean "to present so as to invite notice or attention," flaunt suggests a shameless, boastful, often offensive parading.

nouveaux riches flaunting their wealth

In what contexts can display take the place of flaunt?

The synonyms display and flaunt are sometimes interchangeable, but display emphasizes putting in a position where others may see to advantage.

display sale items

When would exhibit be a good substitute for flaunt?

The words exhibit and flaunt are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exhibit stresses putting forward prominently or openly.

exhibit paintings at a gallery

Where would expose be a reasonable alternative to flaunt?

In some situations, the words expose and flaunt are roughly equivalent. However, expose suggests bringing forth from concealment and displaying.

sought to expose the hypocrisy of the town fathers

When is parade a more appropriate choice than flaunt?

Although the words parade and flaunt have much in common, parade implies an ostentatious or arrogant displaying.

parading their piety for all to see

When could show be used to replace flaunt?

The meanings of show and flaunt largely overlap; however, show implies no more than enabling another to see or examine.

showed her snapshots to the whole group

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 flaunt
Verb
Some lipsticks get tossed to the bottom of a bag, while this one is meant to be flaunted. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 12 Apr. 2026 Moments later, Glover’s attempt to read a quote from Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell gets interrupted by Reid flaunting his Canadian flag, while astronaut Christina (Sarah Sherman) floats on by, sleeping and snoring. William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Apr. 2026
Verb
One such account, run by a Village de Dieu gang leader known as Izo, produces colorful music videos flaunting the group’s military-style body armor and weapons alongside shoes and jewelry. Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2026 Stella crossed the street and loitered outside the store window displaying haughty mannequins flaunting swagger coats. Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flaunt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flaunt
Noun
  • The supremacy of filmmaking craft on display here is what makes Janus’ restoration so worthy of celebration.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Apr. 2026
  • At other times, as was the case in the display photographed, there is no prey animal in sight, and the dance seems simply to be an expression of exuberance.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Try ‘Brilliance’ with showy fronds that turn orange in fall.
    Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But rather than the showy designs of the Victorian era, this style emphasized clean lines and solid construction.
    Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In 2003, as Iran’s national police chief, Ghalibaf played a central role in the violent clampdown on student demonstrations.
    Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Join experienced plant propagators for a live demonstration in starting plants from seeds, cuttings and kitchen scraps.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Both these cousins grow to a comparable size and shape about 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, and combine gaudy spring flowers with scarlet and crimson fall foliage.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The neighbors of the Highland Park mansion once owned by MJ now have flexed their muscle not once but twice at proposals to repurpose the gaudy property for something other than a one-family occupier living therein.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Young's family has also filed a wrongful death suit against Hopper, court records reviewed by PEOPLE show.
    Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Cancellations of subsequent shows followed.
    Julie Sharp, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Out front was a parked Jeep that had been decorated in garish camouflage and emblazoned with the grinning face of a man who went by Lawyer Don.
    Patrick Radden Keefe, New Yorker, 13 Apr. 2026
  • Titaníque lets his inner clown soar, in drag yet, and with garish make-up just this side of Baby Jane Hudson and a mouth as foul as any David Mamet character.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Michael Jackson’s son Prince and his siblings La Toya, Jackie, and Jermaine attended the glitzy premiere for Michael, which features a breakout performance by his nephew Jaafar.
    Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Paramount wasted no time showing off the Stranger Things creators in the studio’s glitzy, big-budget mini-movie celebrating its movie history and looking at the future.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • China has made robotics a national priority, but despite flashy events like the half marathon, the country’s software still lags behind the US’, analysts said.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 19 Apr. 2026
  • Restricted footwear, like big boots, or flashy styles with tons of metal hardware are often flagged and asked to be removed.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flaunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flaunt. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.

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