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 of glaring

• 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

The absence of an edge manifested itself in almost every aspect of the game, but was most glaring on defense. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

The Broncos have managed to dodge glaring landmines en route to a 7-2 start, which counts for plenty. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 5 Nov. 2025

The Dodgers stand now as Japan’s team, boasting a third Japanese star in rookie Roki Sasaki, 24, who late in the season morphed into a dominant closer, filling the roster’s lone glaring void. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Nov. 2025

How that production compares to the value the opposing teams' kickers provide is what creates glaring differentials over time. —Mike Sando, New York Times, 3 Nov. 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