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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 And some parents have publicly opposed these limits while privately helping their kids flout them. Gail Cornwall, The Atlantic, 25 Aug. 2025 But the White House has demonstrated an unusual comfort level with flouting the normal budgeting process. Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025 As punishment for flouting her order and being found in civil contempt, the judge required Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to file bimonthly reports about whether any arrests, detentions or law enforcement actions have been made under the law. Kate Payne, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025 If true, the evasion flouts Internet norms in place for more than three decades. Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • Reigning Gold Cup champion Mexico will look to disregard that disruption in the hopes of building some momentum during this international break.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
  • But Daskalakis, Houry, and Jernigan say Kennedy barely engaged with CDC staff and disregarded CDC data that was provided, particularly related to vaccines.
    Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Austen shows us how others might fear or despise her, then gives us the gift of the means and the courage to delight in her instead.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Many people fear them, attack them, or despise them.
    Anna Tunkova, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Keep Your Floors, Counters, and Appliances Clean Lastly, don’t forget to keep your floors and counters as clean as possible.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
  • New York Fashion Week delivers the style inspo on and off the runway while the Emmys bring the red carpet glam, and don’t forget, Taylor Swift is back in the stands serving stadium couture with a blinding new accessory.
    Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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