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 Lastly, owners also approved a change to allow league personnel to consult with on-field officials regarding flagrant football acts and non-football acts that aren’t called on the field and could lead to disqualification. — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 The Valkyries’ coaching staff’s pleas to the officiating crew for a flagrant foul call were not successful. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026 Syria's foreign ministry said several civilians were injured and called the strike a flagrant violation of the country's sovereignty. — Arkansas Online, 23 Aug. 2026 Syria’s Foreign Ministry said several civilians were injured and called the strike a flagrant violation of the country’s sovereignty. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
  1. blatant
  2. glaring
  3. obvious
Adjective
  • This blatant robbery is the pending bill to ban the 68 Central Park horse carriages.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The definition further added that neglect should involve blatant disregard of parental responsibilities resulting in a real, significant and imminent risk of harm to the child.
    — Jennifer L. Brinkley, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • But as a new class of pop stars has established themselves as formidable commercial forces across metrics, there’s a glaring absence of Black women.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Clark was responding to the comments Mitchell made Saturday during her exit interview and the challenges that of living life in such a glaring spotlight.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • These reveal problems that might not be obvious in the short term, such as liver damage, as well as underlying conditions that could turn minor issues into something serious.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • If there are lessons from the 2025 wave of crypto IPOs, the most obvious is that investors should proceed with caution.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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