glaring

adjective

glar·​ing ˈgler-iŋ 

1

: having a fixed look of hostility, fierceness, or anger

2

a

: shining with or reflecting an uncomfortably bright light

b(1)

: garish

(2)

: vulgarly ostentatious

3

: obtrusively and often painfully obvious

a glaring error

glaringly

ˈgler-iŋ-lē 

adverb

glaringness noun

Synonyms

• blatant
• obvious

Choose the Right Synonym for glaring

flagrant, glaring, gross, rank 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

glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Examples of glaring in a Sentence

a glaring example of racism

no one missed the glaring spelling error in the title

Recent Examples on the Web

But the investigation quickly unraveled after authorities allegedly found glaring inconsistencies in Rebecca's stories. —Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

But with otherwise such strong access to McCartney alongside this wealth of archival clips, the omissions or glossed over subjects — one assumes at McCartney’s behest — while present, never feel glaring. —Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025

Don't Turn on the Big Light Thompson believes one way to instantly make guests feel unwelcome in an all-white room is to turn on a glaring overhead light. —Tessa Cooper, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2025

Perhaps most glaring was how ‘Bama got pushed around at the line of scrimmage, the explanation point being the 230 yards the Seminoles piled up on the ground. —Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see glare entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for glaring

• airing
• bearing
• blaring
• caring
• chairing
• charing
• daring
• erring
• fairing
• flaring
• haring
• herring

Kids Definition

glaring

adjective

glar·​ing

ˈgla(ə)r-iŋ,

ˈgle(ə)r-

: painfully obvious

a glaring mistake

glaringly adverb

glaringness noun