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
The glaring difference was the distinct lack of the marijuana scent throughout the building, and the need to use the restroom from most of the patrons during the three-hour long concert. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 The Panthers will have no goaltenders with NHL experience on the roster once Bobrovsky’s contract expires (backup Daniil Tarasov’s deal is also set expire), a glaring problem on an otherwise elite roster that can’t go unresolved. Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 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 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
  • Too often international agencies are established with seemingly noble purposes but end up descending into blatant politicization that mocks their original intent.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • All the exquisite details—the man’s glowing salmon-pink tunic, the cherrylike tip of his headdress, the fluffy tassels—are an excuse for pure visual stimulation.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
  • Noctilucent clouds keep glowing with an oddly cold brightness.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 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
  • Happy Gilmore is another obvious inspiration (even without the Netflix of it all) whenever Lonnie throws his clubs, talks to his ball, and calls on fans to chant his name before taking a swing.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
  • That particular prompt may have been rejected for an obvious reason, though.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • The wildfires in Canada’s boreal forests are burning with greater size and intensity because of climate change, as greenhouse gas emissions from human use of fossil fuels continue to drive global warming.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Companies burning solid waste, including garment and fabric scraps, can be fined $250.
    Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • But the differences between this and their dreams were staring them in the face.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • Bo grinned, staring at the pale-blue walls of the large classroom.
    Min Jin Lee, New Yorker, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Virginia Bender The areas where the Old West doesn’t get so wild are the big functional kitchen with its gleaming stainless steel range, and the bathrooms, modern and sleek with marble to match the best hotel suites.
    Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • In Atlanta, Mayra Martinez and I walked the Beltline — the gleaming greenway everyone points to as proof of an economic boom.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 16 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

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Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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