flagrant

adjective

ˈflā-grənt How to pronounce flagrant (audio)
Definition of flagrantnext
as in blatant
very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad that was a flagrant violation of the rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective flagrant differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of flagrant are glaring, gross, and rank. While all these words mean "conspicuously bad or objectionable," flagrant applies usually to offenses or errors so bad that they can neither escape notice nor be condoned.

flagrant abuse of the office of president

In what contexts can glaring take the place of flagrant?

The synonyms glaring and flagrant are sometimes interchangeable, but glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

Where would gross be a reasonable alternative to flagrant?

The words gross and flagrant can be used in similar contexts, but gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

When could rank be used to replace flagrant?

The words rank and flagrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

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 flagrant The aftermath of a flagrant 2 foul by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington against Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham set off a firestorm of speculation that all is not well in the Fever locker room. — Hilary Gowins, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 People who once couldn’t name three WNBA players suddenly have opinions about officiating, flagrant fouls and league discipline. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026 Carrington committed a dirty, flagrant worthy play that could have seriously injured Cunningham, leaving her bloodied in the mouth from the contact. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Thomas was fined and received a flagrant penalty 2 after the fact. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
  1. blatant
  2. glaring
  3. obvious
Adjective
  • Some critics have argued that the watermark will prove largely ineffective for flagging anything short of blatant chatbot use.
    — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Compounding this economic instability is blatant domestic corruption defined by self-enrichment.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • There is a lot to like about the Reds, but there are also some glaring holes.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • San Francisco doesn't have a glaring need at linebacker where Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are projected as two of the starters and several other players are in the running for a backup spot.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • The comparisons between the start of Ray Allen’s and Klay Thompson’s Miami Heat stories seem obvious.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Yet with no obvious signs of trauma, the researchers couldn’t say what sent the woman to an early grave.
    — Mike McRae August 25, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of obvious

Browse Nearby Words

flagons
flagrant
flagrantly
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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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