glaring 1 of 2

Definition of glaringnext

glaring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of glare

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective glaring differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of glaring are flagrant, gross, and rank. While all these words mean "conspicuously bad or objectionable," glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

When would flagrant be a good substitute for glaring?

The words flagrant and glaring are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can gross take the place of glaring?

Although the words gross and glaring have much in common, gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

When can rank be used instead of glaring?

The synonyms rank and glaring are sometimes interchangeable, but rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of glaring
Adjective
But a four-game losing streak, all at home, has quickly cracked open some of the most glaring flaws in this team’s roster construction. Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2026 Even then, the finale’s other and perhaps more glaring pitfall is an uneven perspective. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 June 2026
Verb
Amber contacts help allow athletes to better track objects amid bright, glaring skies or artificial lighting and reduce eye strain. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 The contradiction is especially glaring given the growing focus on chronic disease, obesity, and declining health outcomes among American children. Sam Raus, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • The Israeli military said earlier that Hezbollah had launched three projectiles towards communities in northern Israel, calling it a blatant ceasefire violation.
    NBC News, NBC news, 14 June 2026
  • Nonetheless, the painting doesn’t have any blatant Nazi references.
    Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 11 June 2026
Verb
  • Cellphone footage shows two glowing red orbs floating across the sky.
    Collin Binkley, Fortune, 15 June 2026
  • Speaking about the division race during the teams series this week, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns offered a glowing assessment of the rival club that has become one of the National League’s toughest opponents.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
Verb
  • Picture Andy Warhol scowling in the corner of the billiards room.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 11 Dec. 2025
  • Now our favorite scowling friend is getting his own movie, too.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Sometimes the dynamic has obvious tensions, but on this trip, I was relieved to be with a duo that seemed to genuinely like each other.
    Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025
  • Start by getting rid of obvious trash and recycling.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Video shared by a witness from the scene showed emergency responders attempting to crack open the plane’s windshield as authorities and bystanders assisted several people out of the burning aircraft.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • At the same time, that quote and Ruth’s attitude also implies that nothing can be done to extinguish the fire in the perpetually burning building.
    Jen Chaney, Vulture, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Ten steps to his right, safety Bryan Cook sat on the floor, silent and still, shirt off, staring forward but toward nothing in particular.
    Sam McDowell Updated December 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Dec. 2025
  • In early October, a few weeks before the 2025 season tipped off, NBA commissioner Adam Silver found himself in a hallway inside NBC Sports’ facility in Stamford, Connecticut, staring at a makeshift wall of screens.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • These types favor gleaming Roman columns, tacky gilding, and oversized everything, meant to imply domination, hierarchy, and regressive traditionalism.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Dec. 2025
  • To locate it, look for gleaming Jupiter, which rises and travels alongside Gemini on the shower’s peak night.
    Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 8 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Derek Hinkey’s character, the Shoshone warrior Red Feather, is almost always frowning at white settlers, looking undeniably foreboding with his face slathered in black paint and galloping on horseback into battle.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
  • Neither smiling nor frowning, her gaze seems one of purpose.
    Jennifer Brett, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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