Definition of floutnext
as in to disregard
to ignore in a disrespectful manner an able-bodied motorist openly flouting the law and parking in a space reserved for the disabled

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word flout distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of flout are fleer, gibe, jeer, scoff, and sneer. While all these words mean "to show one's contempt in derision or mockery," flout stresses contempt shown by refusal to heed.

flouted the conventions of polite society

When can fleer be used instead of flout?

In some situations, the words fleer and flout are roughly equivalent. However, fleer suggests grinning or grimacing derisively.

the saucy jackanapes fleered at my credulity

When would gibe be a good substitute for flout?

While in some cases nearly identical to flout, gibe implies taunting either good-naturedly or in sarcastic derision.

hooted and gibed at the umpire

Where would jeer be a reasonable alternative to flout?

Although the words jeer and flout have much in common, jeer suggests a coarser more undiscriminating derision.

the crowd jeered at the prisoners

When is it sensible to use scoff instead of flout?

The words scoff and flout can be used in similar contexts, but scoff stresses insolence, disrespect, or incredulity as motivating the derision.

scoffed at their concerns

When might sneer be a better fit than flout?

While the synonyms sneer and flout are close in meaning, sneer stresses insulting by contemptuous facial expression, phrasing, or tone of voice.

sneered at anything romantic

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 flout Stories about her parties became local legend, as did tales of her feuds with neighbors and her tendency to flout social conventions. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 In recent years, however, the company has repeatedly flouted regulators and the legal process. Molly Redden, ProPublica, 8 June 2026 The ruling was a significant victory for New York Attorney General Letitia James, who sued the NRA in 2020, accusing LaPierre and other current and former executives of flouting state laws and internal policies to enrich themselves. Chloe Atkins, NBC news, 4 June 2026 Fires are common in India, where building laws and safety norms are often flouted by builders and residents. ABC News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • The video showed a car disregarding a stop sign and a patrol officer speeding up to pull the vehicle over.
    Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • The best thing to do is to just disregard it.
    Marty Steinberg, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The traditional vuvuzela has been loved by some fans and despised by others.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The philosopher and theologian David Bentley Hart says that Christianity brought a moral revolution to a world that assessed a person’s value based on things such as birth, class, and power, where the weak were despised.
    Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Its origins are uncertain, with one tale suggesting that a cook at Manzanillo’s mercado left a pot of pozole over fire and forgot it.
    Food Editor, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026
  • And don't forget to follow Allure on Instagram and TikTok, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on all things beauty.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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