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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
  1. blatant
  2. glaring
  3. obvious
Adjective
  • As election season starts in much of the world, officials note an uptick in both blatant and subtle uses of social media to sow lies among voters.
    — the Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 6 Oct. 2026
  • How successful the gerrymandering actually was remains to be seen — Republicans are polling poorly in the Lone Star State, perhaps in part because of their blatant attempt to cheat voters out of their voices.
    — The Denver Post Editorial Board, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • 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
  • One of its more glaring gaffes within the past couple years is the delay of Caitlin Clark's signature sneaker.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • The tents with a bathroom in them, a seemingly obvious upgrade from those without (there’s a communal washroom), have toilets that aren’t completely enclosed.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Put the paths of 1991, 2009 and 2027 on a globe, and the approximately 120-degree westward jump between successive members becomes immediately obvious.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 6 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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