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

Can the Cowboys free up enough cap space to be active enough to address glaring needs at defensive end, linebacker, cornerback and safety? —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Jan. 2026

The Chargers turned to a familiar face to fill a glaring void after defensive coordinator Jesse Minter departed last week to become the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. —Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026

Bricillo did strong work solidifying the Giants’ offensive line, which had been a glaring weakness for over a decade. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026

The part-time nature of NFL referees is perhaps the most glaring problem. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

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