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
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 But the Broncos’ inability to get reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to the ground was especially glaring because Denver’s defense has long been one of the stoutest in football. — Arnie Stapleton, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Sep. 2026
Verb
There was one glaring error that allowed the pass rush to get to Osborne and affect his throw, which landed in the arms of a linebacker in the middle of the field for his first interception of the year. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2026 The duo's defiance paved the way for a resolution to condemn socialism, a key election-year messaging bill for the GOP that drew glaring defections among Democrats, many of whom were incensed at the turn of events. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • Some level of punitive cost for this blatant category fraud is long overdue.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • And this is a blatant public display of stripping that from women and girls.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • And, as the popularity of K-beauty has spread, more and more travelers are flocking to South Korea in hope of achieving the glassy, glowing skin Instagram feeds are replete with.
    — Anna Haines, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Pastel Colonial buildings lined the streets, their facades glowing in the afternoon sun, while the plazas hummed with life.
    — Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That is one of the tantalizing questions bubbling up in A Talent for Murder, in which Helen Mirren embodies Highsmith in all her devious, scowling genius.
    — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Whether his teams were good or bad, his outspoken and occasionally scowling personality almost always commanded the room.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Even when those messages seem obvious or your child already knows them, saying them out loud anyway could help reinforce that their worth was never actually in question.
    — Anahi Collado, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The most obvious cri de coeur would be for the struggling family farm or animal welfare, but Karen Espersen and Dave Bilinski, the farm’s co-owners, made a surprising appeal to health science.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The 43-year-old, who is also an El Portal councilman, started the business over 15 years ago on little more than a shoestring and a burning desire to fill a growing void.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • With natural gas prices soaring, burning coal for power generation has become more profitable than natural gas in major European power markets like Germany, even after accounting for higher carbon emissions costs.
    — , CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • His life trajectory changed when one client, a woman in her 50s, tired of staring at the stark white demarcation line every three weeks, begged him to take her gray.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In the first, Cameron and David are staring at each other in front of a net of twinkling lights.
    — Michael Nied, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In the gleaming lobby, the brand’s signature scent—a warm and woody fragrance reminiscent of two of my favorites, Comme des Garçons’ Wonderwood and Odin New York’s 07 Tanoke—greeted me.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of defaulting to the typical white or chunky sneaker that makes the rounds every season, Hadid opted for a gleaming pair of Puma Speedcats.
    — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Looking on was Trooper Major, body camera footage shows, frowning in the sun as the deputies followed guidance from a portable defibrillator device.
    — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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