Synonyms of flout

flout

verb

ˈflau̇t 

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

• disregard
• despise
• forget
• dismiss
• overlook
• scorn
• neglect
• disparage
• pass over
• belittle
• slur (over)
• slight
• deprecate
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• accept
• use
• approve

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of flout

The order, which took effect Sunday, is already drawing criticism for flouting clear requirements of US federal immigration law and is likely to invite immediate lawsuits. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025

Belly has been in Paris for quite some time, proudly flouting her visa (an undocumented immigrant leading a popular US TV show? —Thomas Page, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025

Mario Jorge Machado, president of the European apparel and textile lobbying group Euratex said the Chinese giant’s low-price model is only made possible by flouting EU environmental and tax rules to externalize costs. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2025

In Schorr’s photograph, the duo, played by Julia Garner and Cole Escola, is more ambiguous, more gender-flouting, projecting an air of affectionate defiance. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025

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