glaring 1 of 2

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
At this point, the Bills are a virtual shoo-in for a division title and a deep postseason run, but Allen and Buffalo still have a glaring hole in their resume. David Wilson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025 On the other hand, there is at least one glaring disadvantage in comparison to select longitudinal-sleeper midsize camper van designs. New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
After a while, though, the lack of conflict in her world becomes glaring. Hannah Gold, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025 The Athletic's Jeff Howe broke down strengths and weaknesses for all 32 teams, and when speaking on the Chiefs, one glaring issue was mentioned. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • Organizers have labelled the move a blatant act of erasure that distorts history — a stark contrast to the joy and visibility celebrated at the cookout.
    Essence, Essence, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Many would support the university taking a firm stance against the White House, given the government’s blatant overreach into their rights protected by the Constitution.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The results of Scourton’s first appearance weren’t particularly glowing.
    Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2025
  • There are more vibrant reds and glowing greens on heaven and earth here than are dreamed of in your typical color palette.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When you're stuck staring at a blank page, your brain fills the space with doubt.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Gen Z is staring up from the bottom of the corporate ladder, but with AI job automation and economic headwinds, the prospect of landing a job—let alone climbing the greasy pole—is more daunting than ever.
    Preston Fore, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For less obvious water damage, car owners might eventually smell mold or mildew.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • All of which raises an obvious question.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The candle has four slow-burning wicks, is filled with a paraffin and soy wax blend, and burns for up to 22 hours.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The wildfire has been burning on federal land managed by the United States Forest Service.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • His Teddy is a skeevy, scowling hippie incel who seems to have burnt everything out of himself but the desire for vengeance.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • One of the most dazzling superpowers of using toothpaste as a cleaner can be seen in a gleaming shower door.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Think gleaming marble, intricate mosaic, and rich wood.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Romain Dumas was the driver behind the blazing run.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Marigliano makes Coco a blazing force of nature who gets one of the movie’s most emotional scenes, late in the story, not to mention its hilarious closing line during the credits.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on glaring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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