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
But the overall group’s chemistry felt off in the phase that had been a glaring strength for the past two weeks. Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 The bizarre nature of targeting a running back is that the Cowboys have a far more glaring issue on the defensive side of the ball. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
However, Dallas’s defense remains a glaring issue — ranking near the bottom in total defense, pass defense, and points allowed. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025 The glaring weakness last year was giving up untimely goals, so the Revolution may choose to bolster the back line and defensive midfield. Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • This is a blatant breach of international law and territorial integrity of Lithuania.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • These youth protesters oppose the Ruto government over living standards, often blatant government corruption, and its heavy hand toward demonstrators.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One of these videos gained over 291,000 views and dozens of glowing comments claiming the software worked perfectly.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • This win comes on the heels of a glowing three-star review by New York Times last month.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Now our favorite scowling friend is getting his own movie, too.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In terms of my entry point to him, just understanding that this wasn’t a monster that was going to be scowling in the shadows and looking for any opportunity to hurt someone.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • One obvious reason for my interest in the movie, then, was that Walter Matthau reminded me, a little bit, of my father.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025
  • There are good pieces in place, but replacing or re-signing Bregman seems to be an obvious offseason priority, and another impact starter would certainly help.
    Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Sc/sd/11x Fire has been burning on private land.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Cobalt, which can cause a burning sensation when handled, was one of the most common of these and is named for the kobold.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The pair ignored him and continued to walk away, leaving Frank staring in their direction for several seconds.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
  • There’s a picture of me, not quite a year old, in a blue sailor suit and a red ribbon tied around my neck, staring avidly at a picture book.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Ban designed the kitchen with gleaming white Corian countertops and a sculptural central island, while a den just off the kitchen can double as a fourth bedroom, hidden behind a wall of telescoping panels.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even from a boat, the gleaming white of bleached and dead corals glowed from beneath the surface.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Due primarily to the timing of major studio film release dates, a weak first quarter was followed by a blazing hot second quarter, which then was followed by a softening third quarter.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Dudinha opened the scoring for San Diego, dribbling through the Current defense before blazing a shot through the legs of her Brazilian compatriot, Lorena.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

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