glaring

1 of 3

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

glaring

2 of 3

present participle of glare entry 1

glaringness

3 of 3

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

That was the most glaring example of the gulf between the two teams in terms of duels, aggression and general competitiveness. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The most glaring shortcoming of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit was a staggering 9-of-11 conversion rate for the Giants on third down, as the defense could not get off the field all night. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Among the many glaring issues coming out of the opener, the offense’s inability to sustain drives was particularly galling. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Tesla’s flashy unveiling of its Cybercab robotaxi in 2024 left some glaring questions unanswered. — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 10 Sep. 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