Synonyms of glaring

glaring 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgler-iŋ 

as in blatant

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad

no one missed the glaring spelling error in the title

Synonyms & Similar Words

• blatant
• obvious
• gross
• conspicuous
• striking
• egregious
• flagrant
• noticeable
• pronounced
• patent
• distinct
• sheer
• terrible
• outstanding
• clear
• salient
• notable
• evident
• marked
• prominent
• dramatic
• rank
• remarkable
• visible
• emphatic
• utter
• discernible
• plain
• showy
• stark
• outright
• monstrous
• shocking
• perceptible
• downright
• detectable
• absolute
• observable
• shameful
• arresting
• heinous
• eye-catching
• outrageous
• abominable
• awful
• out-and-out
• atrocious
• arrant
• splashy
• deplorable
• preposterous
• execrable
• lousy
• wretched

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• imperceptible
• slight
• small
• unobtrusive
• trivial
• insignificant
• inconsequential
• trifling
• inconsiderable
• hidden
• invisible
• unnoticeable
• concealed

glaring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of glare

1

as in glowing

to shine with a bright harsh light

the spotlight glared down on the suspect as the police questioned him relentlessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

• glowing
• burning
• gleaming
• blazing
• flashing
• flaring
• glancing
• flaming
• glinting
• glistening
• beating
• sparkling
• radiating
• beaming
• glittering
• shimmering
• glimmering
• blinding
• twinkling
• scintillating
• glistering
• dazzling
• bedazzling
• dazing

2

as in scowling

to look with anger or disapproval

don't glare at me like that when I tell you "no"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scowling
• staring
• frowning
• glowering
• gazing
• gaping
• glooming
• ogling
• lowering
• looking daggers
• grimacing
• sneering
• sulking
• snarling
• pouting
• growling
• sniggering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smiling
• grinning
• beaming

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

Recent Examples of glaring

Adjective

Denzel Washington’s powerful performance as the titular character in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X is still cited as one of the most glaring Best Actor losses, especially with the narrative that Al Pacino won it that year more for his body of work, rather than his effort in Scent of a Woman. —Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Jan. 2026

Similarly, the law says any driver approaching another vehicle within 500 feet to the rear should dim or tilt their headlights as to not reflect glaring rays into the operator of the other vehicle. —Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Verb

The change in their approach to relationships becomes glaring when Nathan tells Joe that Gael is going on a surfing trip with some guy friends. —Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2026

Eight contestants and Erika, a skinny producer with the look of a furious terrier glaring at them from a handbag. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Jan. 2026