flout

verb

ˈflau̇t How to pronounce flout (audio)
Definition of floutnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 Many Iranian women are openly flouting the rule – and authorities seem wary of launching a crackdown, for now. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 The order targets organizations like shell companies that operate under opaque ownership structures as well as persistent violators that dissolve and reopen companies under new names once they’re caught flouting the law. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026 Either way, manufacturing costs would no longer be artificially skewed by China flouting environmental regulations. — Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026 The singer, who recently tied the knot with Callum Turner, flouted the traditional dress code while celebrating her friend’s upcoming nuptials. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flout
  1. disregard
  2. despise
  3. forget
Verb
  • The judge denied the mistrial motion, siding with the prosecution that the jury will be told to disregard the comments on Clancy’s faith.
    — NBC News, NBC news, 25 Aug. 2026
  • By anointing Watson as their franchise savior, the Haslams disregarded all those women.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of disregard
Verb
  • Hate him, despise him, be jealous of his wealth, but support his efforts to destroy Iran and hopefully end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The zombies despise water and are connected to a lab experiment that involves chimps (the special effects get a bit iffy there).
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of despise
Verb
  • Country queen and national treasure Dolly Parton may have physically left the world on Tuesday, but her indelible mark on the world and the industry will never be forgotten.
    — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Benedict Canyon property is an important part of the novel that has already been forgotten here.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of forget

Browse Nearby Words

floury
flout
flouted
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Cite this Entry

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

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