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

If the Trump administration moves from aggressive but symbolic criticisms of judges to openly flouting court rulings, judges, civic leaders, and the general public will have several tools with which to respond. —Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025

On this question, most Democrats and independents — 79% and 51% — agreed that the government would flout a court order. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2025

He had been suspended for flouting weight regulations, stripped of his informants and demoted to monitoring wiretaps. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

First, by issuing reasoned, carefully argued decisions that hold the executive to account for flouting legal norms, courts can help buy time for the public and the private sector and inform them how to confront a changing presidency. —Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2025

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