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 Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas has received a flagrant foul penalty and been suspended for one game after hitting Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark in the throat during a game Wednesday night, the WNBA said Thursday. — CBS News, 25 June 2026 No foul was called on the play, but the league could review it for a flagrant foul. — ABC News, 24 June 2026 Brunson and his coach, Mike Brown, were heated, believing the French star should have been whistled for a flagrant foul. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 14 June 2026 Wembanyama then earned his third flagrant point of the playoffs when he was called for a flagrant 1 foul in Game 4 for catching Towns in the chin with an elbow. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for flagrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
  1. blatant
  2. glaring
  3. obvious
Adjective
  • Herrera’s goodbye came after the team made a blatant move to signal that May will be traded in the near future.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Likewise, her fans aren't going to stop defending her when the verbal and physical attacks against her remain so blatant.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of blatant
Adjective
  • These issues are perhaps most glaring on Le Ravi, which hosts not one but two fake journalists.
    — Maggie Harrison Dupré, Futurism, 30 July 2026
  • Samsung credits a dual-layer structure called Flex Titanium for flattening the display and turning what was once a glaring trench into a subtle seam.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 29 July 2026
Definition of glaring
Adjective
  • From a distance, the color nearly blended with Anderson’s skin; the height became considerably more obvious in profile.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of obvious

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on flagrant

Nglish: Translation of flagrant for Spanish Speakers

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