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

Fifty-six games into Brown’s tenure as head coach, the Knicks still don’t look connected on offense, no more glaring example apparent than Karl-Anthony Towns’ lack of involvement against a team without any veteran player 6-foot-9 or taller. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026

Blending technology and old-fashioned instruction Among Colorado’s weaknesses last season, starting pitching was the most glaring. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 19 Feb. 2026

The most glaring examples came after the 2024 hurricane season. —Michael P. Mayoral, Sun Sentinel, 19 Feb. 2026

But Jeffery Simmons needs help on the outside, and last year’s second-round pick, Femi Oladejo, is a glaring question mark. —The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 19 Feb. 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