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
There is a lot to like about the Reds, but there are also some glaring holes. David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026 San Francisco doesn't have a glaring need at linebacker where Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are projected as two of the starters and several other players are in the running for a backup spot. ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
Still no Mohamed Salah replacement, still no holding midfielder, and still no full-back reinforcements, despite the glaring weakness in both positions. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 This is, of course, projection; eagles are always glaring suspiciously. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for glaring
Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring
Adjective
  • Wolff’s blatant disregard of hunting and fishing laws, including earlier incidents that led to his hunting and fishing licenses being revoked, was well known by local residents and law enforcement officers.
    David Zeug, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Some critics have argued that the watermark will prove largely ineffective for flagging anything short of blatant chatbot use.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • This is the best-selling matching set on Amazon and has thousands of glowing reviews to back it up.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The glowing response took critics, who had seen the film earlier in the day, by surprise.
    Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Don’t be fooled by the film’s advertising, which features an image of Neeson’s scowling visage dwarfing Levi aiming an automatic weapon.
    Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 10 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
  • Often the most fascinating questions are the ones with no obvious or direct rewards.
    Jeanna Bryner, Scientific American, 15 Sep. 2026
  • If an offside decision is obvious, the VAR clears it immediately.
    Graham Scott, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There was a time, not that long ago, when the average suburban street was full of unannounced drop-ins, the smell of burning charcoal, and scattered lawn chairs.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
  • On his back, Saint Michael is forever emerging from a burning Jerusalem.
    Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Once there, staring at the devastation, there was no denying the reality of death.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This, like Hamlet, is about staring death in the face and fulfilling a dream not thought impossible.
    Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • In their place stands One World Trade Center, a gleaming glass tower that rises defiantly above a skyline that has been forever changed.
    Thomas E. Franklin, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
  • In This Article Fireclay sinks have been a kitchen staple for centuries, with their iconic, usually white, gleaming glaze that turns an otherwise utilitarian fixture into a striking visual highlight.
    Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 10 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 17 Sep. 2026.

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