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
On the heels of two disappointing seasons, the 2025 Badgers were ravaged by injuries — particularly at quarterback — a brutal schedule and a glaring lack of identity. Justin Williams, New York Times, 27 July 2026 While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production. Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 2026
Verb
Best Skincare Deals While the temperatures are balmy and the sun is glaring, skincare becomes that much more important. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 The glaring issue in England’s group stage performance stems from the drop-off in goal production from the opener to the final two matches. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • The blatant ambition comes with its own drama; Holzinger’s work can feel rough around the edges, creating the sense that, at any level of a production, something might go very wrong.
    Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • The first four players who played a backwards pass were met with a blatant elbow into the back.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • One Friday post, for example, shows footage from Super Heavy of Ship cruising away shortly after stage separation, its six Raptors glowing with exertion against the backdrop of a gorgeously blue Earth.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 27 July 2026
  • Perhaps that’s the biggest compliment for UCLA, going from being ignored or laughed at to taking a few jabs over your glowing reviews.
    Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • As a 7-year-old, I’d entertain my father’s friends, at their weekly pickup game at a Bronx barn-house gymnasium, by imitating his game face—bottom lip jutting, eyes scowling.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 14 June 2026
  • Modern tiki tends to take a lighter touch, using more abstract graphics, less imagery of women and scowling gods.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • From a distance, the color nearly blended with Anderson’s skin; the height became considerably more obvious in profile.
    Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • In its rush to chase clicks, the league publicly showcased a wager that appeared to raise obvious questions under its own CBA.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead of burning capital on traditional endorsement checks, KANE built its network organically across NBA rosters, 26 NFL franchises, and more than 60 college athletic programs, from Nebraska to Stanford to the University of Miami Hurricanes.
    Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • All that fire in the air asks us to fan our own flames without burning it all down.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Warriors have to face the reality that has been staring at them ever since Jimmy Butler tore the ACL in his right knee in January.
    Nick Friedell, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • How adult tummy time affects your posture Lying face down puts your spine in the opposite position from the flexed posture that comes with staring at a phone.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Verb
  • At the end of the street is the imposing Gringotts bank with its colossal marble columns and gleaming chandeliers hanging down from a domed ceiling.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • The model and entrepreneur has spent years of her extremely busy life rebranding flip-flops from beach-only footwear to a gleaming symbol of elevated personal style.
    Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • This focuses readers on the all-black uniforms of the veiled pupils, who—in a long frame at the center of the page—sit between the looming, frowning teacher on the right and Marji on the left, who stands up to explain that her uncle was executed by the Islamic regime.
    Hillary Chute, The Atlantic, 9 June 2026
  • Woods, 50, is seen frowning in the photo, taken shortly after the legendary golfer was booked into jail on March 27 after his Land Rover rolled over in Jupiter Island, Florida.
    Natasha Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on glaring

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!