Flaunt

Synonyms for flaunt
verb make an exhibition, show off

advertise
brandish
proclaim
disclose
reveal
disport
parade
boast
expose
flash

divulge
gasconade
declare
broadcast
streak
air
grandstand
vaunt
sport
flourish

display
break out
put on an act
show and tell
trot out
showcase
hotdog
fan it
flash about
let it all hang out

make a scene
roll out
smack with
spring on
throw weight around
wave around
whip out

Antonyms for flaunt

hide
conceal
withhold

suppress
refrain
secrete

cover

Usage Notes

The use of flaunt to mean “to ignore or treat with disdain” (He flaunts community standards with his behavior) is strongly objected to by many usage guides, which insist that only flout can properly express this meaning. From its earliest appearance in English in the 16th century, flaunt has had the meanings “to display oneself conspicuously, defiantly, or boldly” in public and “to parade or display ostentatiously.” These senses approach those of flout, which dates from about the same period: “to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt; scoff at; mock.” A sentence like Once secure in his new social position, he was able to flaunt his lower-class origins can thus be ambiguous in current English. Considering the similarity in pronunciation of the two words, it is not surprising that flaunt has assumed the meanings of flout and that this use has appeared in the speech and edited writing of even well-educated, literate persons. Nevertheless, many regard the senses of flaunt and flout as entirely unrelated and concerned speakers and writers still continue to keep them separate.