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
On the heels of two disappointing seasons, the 2025 Badgers were ravaged by injuries — particularly at quarterback — a brutal schedule and a glaring lack of identity. Justin Williams, New York Times, 27 July 2026 While Loathe’s baffling compositional choices may jump out first, the album’s most glaring flaw is its production. Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 16 July 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
  • Herrera’s goodbye came after the team made a blatant move to signal that May will be traded in the near future.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Likewise, her fans aren't going to stop defending her when the verbal and physical attacks against her remain so blatant.
    Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • Creators who attended OpenAI’s first-ever influencer brand trip at a luxury resort in upstate New York posted glowing reviews of their private cabins, nature excursions and farm-to-table meals.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Perseids are particularly fast and often leave persistent glowing trails.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The note was written on Cohn’s personal stationery, imprinted with a scowling caricature of himself.
    Kai Bird, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Areas where forecasts consistently predict clear skies — or persistent cloud — will become increasingly obvious as eclipse day approaches.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The choice of Bailey as the newest Giorgio Armani global fragrance ambassador was obvious.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Rooms at the Villa Miloer have ethanol-burning fireplaces, potted orchids, and cocoa silk-tweed sofas with suede pillows.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
  • This means guests have panoramic views of Three Mile Harbor, while inside, high ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace offer a relaxing atmosphere year-round.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • On top of that, many schools have kids spending lots of time on screens, even though staring at them for long periods can be stressful and exhausting.
    Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Residents will encounter him perched on the air conditioner just outside their apartment, staring in.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Gritting her teeth in the final few hundred meters, the Polish rider dug deep and with the sun gleaming behind her, raised her arms after crossing the line.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The ​pitch is reinforced by the document’s anime-style cover, which depicts a smiling family in a gleaming cityscape rather than ​the troops, weapons and military insignia featured on many previous editions.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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 8 Aug. 2026.

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