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
In defence, his lack of physicality is becoming more glaring in a Premier League that is leaning more heavily than ever into duels, second balls and set pieces. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 The most glaring shortcoming of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker’s unit was a staggering 9-of-11 conversion rate for the Giants on third down, as the defense could not get off the field all night. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
But these glaring blind spots, however hard to watch, are the point. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • The move appeared as a blatant response to stadium owner Robert Kraft’s role in having rapper Macklemore removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
    — Mackenzie Chase, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026
  • That said, even in a sport now infamous for quick cash grabs, this feels like the most blatant of them all.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Starship rocket just blared back into the atmosphere, glowing bright with plasma as the vehicle shed most of its speed as the energy was converted to heat.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Silk twill introduced a shiny counterpoint in flowy frocks and separates, with their hues spanning from blush to charming mint green and emerald contributing to their glowing appeal.
    — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 28 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
  • Venus in your sign opposes the Moon in your partnership zone, increasing attraction while making differences in comfort, affection, or timing more obvious.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Perhaps those ratios seem obvious; just about half the money from a little less than half the screens.
    — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The intersection was littered with burning car parts, streaks of blood stained the asphalt, and black smoke filled the sky.
    — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • To help consumers make informed decisions about the health risks associated with gas-burning appliances, the state should require commonsense warning labels on gas equipment that explain how gas appliances may affect indoor air quality and health.
    — Carol J. Williams, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Before a first-down play from the Cleveland 20-yard line, Rodgers could be seen staring at the Pittsburgh sideline with his arms spread out, apparently waiting to receive the play from McCarthy.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • More of the same people staring at the same problem in the same room.
    — Duncan Wardle, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Tokyo’s hospitality scene is as diverse as the city itself, a place of dizzying contrasts where ancient temples sit in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional craftsmanship juxtaposes cutting-edge technology.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 30 Sep. 2026
  • My Instagram Discover page is a narcotic carousel of supple leather and gleaming metal.
    — Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 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 5 Oct. 2026.

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