flaunted; flaunting; flaunts
1
: to display or obtrude oneself to public notice
… a great flaunting crowd …—Charles Dickens
2
: to wave or flutter showily
the flag flaunts in the breeze
1
: to display ostentatiously or impudently : parade
flaunting his superiority
a chance to flaunt clothes, bodies, and sexuality—New Yorker
2
: to treat contemptuously
… flaunted the rules …—Louis Untermeyer
Flaunt vs. Flout: Usage Guide
The "treat contemptuously" use of flaunt found in phrases like "those who flaunt the rules/laws" is common in informal use and sometimes appears in polished and published writing.
… meting out punishment to the occasional mavericks who operate rigged games, tolerate rowdyism, or otherwise flaunt the law.
—Oscar Lewis
"Obviously they're not wearing their cams," Robert told her. "So they're flaunting the rules."
—David Gilbert
This use undoubtedly arose from confusion with flout, however, and is considered by many to be incorrect. Use of flout in the sense of "flaunt, parade" is also found occasionally.
"The proper pronunciation," the blonde said, flouting her refined upbringing, "is pree feeks."
—Mike Royko
Cite this Entry
“Flaunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flaunt. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.
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