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
• conspicuous
• egregious
• flagrant
• gross
• obvious
• patent
• pronounced
• rank
• striking

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

Meanwhile, Towns amplifies the style their franchise player likes to rock while also addressing a glaring positional need. —Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

The lackluster performance during Denver’s 31-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills, when the team’s running backs gained only 35 rushing yards on 11 carries, serves as the most glaring example. —Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 11 May 2025

The team addressed its glaring need for pass rushers in the first round, taking Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker with the 15th pick before trading back up into the first round for James Pearce Jr. with the 26th pick. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025

This user experience gap is a glaring oversight that leaves many customers frustrated, confused and wondering if the futuristic fintech promises were just clever marketing. —Sal Rehmetullah, Forbes.com, 8 May 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