glaring

adjective

glar·​ing ˈgler-iŋ How to pronounce glaring (audio)
1
: having a fixed look of hostility, fierceness, or anger
2
a
: shining with or reflecting an uncomfortably bright light
b(1)
: garish
(2)
: vulgarly ostentatious
3
: obtrusively and often painfully obvious
a glaring error
glaringly adverb
glaringness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for glaring

flagrant, glaring, gross, rank mean conspicuously bad or objectionable.

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

glaring implies painful or damaging obtrusiveness of something that is conspicuously wrong, faulty, or improper.

glaring errors

gross implies the exceeding of reasonable or excusable limits.

gross carelessness

rank applies to what is openly and extremely objectionable and utterly condemned.

rank heresy

Examples of glaring in a Sentence

a glaring example of racism no one missed the glaring spelling error in the title
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Overton addition was beneficial for Alabama this season, and there is hope that Collins can produce something similar in 2025. Collins’ commitment fills a glaring need for the 2025 defense on the defensive line. Kennington Smith Iii, The Athletic, 18 Dec. 2024 This gap became even more glaring with Witty’s internal video remarks, where his dismissive tone came across as deflection rather than accountability. Molly McPherson, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 Pause the below clip at 2:09, and again just four seconds later at 2:13 to see the most glaring example. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Nov. 2024 The gender gap remains the most glaring split, but Trump’s net +17 support among men is larger than Vice President Harris’ +12 among women. Steve Liesman, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glaring 

Word History

Etymology

see glare entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of glaring was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near glaring

Cite this Entry

“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glaring. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

glaring

adjective
glar·​ing
ˈgla(ə)r-iŋ,
ˈgle(ə)r-
: painfully obvious
a glaring mistake
glaringly adverb
glaringness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on glaring

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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