glaring

1 of 2

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

glaringness

2 of 2

noun

glar·​ing·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being glaring

embarrassed by the glaringness of this error

Synonyms of glaring

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

a glaring example of racism

no one missed the glaring spelling error in the title

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are two other glaring factors. — Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 22 June 2026

The Wolves have had a glaring absence in the backcourt next to Edwards in two of the last three postseasons. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 25 June 2026

Ahead, design experts share the five most glaring living room flaws, plus advice for remedying them. — Madeline Bilis, Architectural Digest, 26 June 2026

The glaring difference was the distinct lack of the marijuana scent throughout the building, and the need to use the restroom from most of the patrons during the three-hour long concert. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

see glare entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

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