Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 Some believe that this is an outrageous and flagrant form of anthropomorphizing AI. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 But even this flagrant corporate cheerleading cannot sully the sheer moment-to-moment joy of playing Astro Bot. Lewis Gordon, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024 Chicago Sky player Diamond DeShields sent Clark flying across the floor for a foul that was later upgraded to a flagrant foul Aug. 30. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2024 Another guardian spent more than half of her ward’s life savings for care provided by her own private business — a flagrant conflict of interest that a judge permitted for years. Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 8 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for flagrant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flagrant
Adjective
  • The center's lawyers pointed to the broadcast on NBC's New York City flagship station, WNBC, to allege a blatant violation of the FCC's equal time provisions during an election, and called it election interference.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025
  • In a speech from the Oval Office, Biden did not name Elon Musk, who stands to take a central role in Donald Trump‘s administration, or Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, who have taken blatant steps to woo the former Celebrity Apprentice host.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Perhaps the most glaring issue with this ceasefire agreement is the exclusion of Palestinians from the negotiation process.
    Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The federal tax credit for electric vehicle purchases has far outlived its purpose and now stands as a glaring example of government overreach and economic inequity.
    Veronique de Rugy, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Trusted by Kyiv and maintaining a relatively cordial relationship with Moscow, Turkey would seem like an obvious choice.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Making obvious your goal of understanding is a powerful way of creating goodwill.
    Kurt Gray, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near flagrant

Cite this Entry

“Flagrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flagrant. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on flagrant

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