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 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 Young people flouted curfews and remained demonstrating near the Parliament building on Tuesday. Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
Verb
  • Yet, the Puerto Rican government has taken a celebratory stance that disregards the pain of thousands who are still awaiting justice.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The unions allege the memo issued by OMB before the shutdown unlawfully directs agencies to disregard their own authorizing statutes.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The fact that the film is named after its subject’s most beloved — and most despised by Hart himself — hit tells you everything.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Really loved, obsessively loved and despised by every critic.
    Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Turner hasn’t forgotten the diligence his younger teammate showed throughout what could have been a frustrating period of his career.
    Jay King, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • And the word Spanx made your mind wander a little bit and nobody ever forgot it.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flout. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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