GLARING Synonyms: 114 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

glaring 1 of 2

adjective

ˈgler-iŋ

Definition of glaring

as in blatant

very noticeable especially for being incorrect or bad no one missed the glaring spelling error in the title

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

glaring

2 of 2

verb

present participle of glare

as in glowing

to shine with a bright harsh light the spotlight glared down on the suspect as the police questioned him relentlessly

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in scowling

to look with anger or disapproval don't glare at me like that when I tell you "no"

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

That comparison may be a bit dramatic, but the cellar-dwelling Red Sox’s four-game sweep over the weekend exposed some of the Aaron Judge-less Yankees’ most glaring issues. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 29 June 2026 The Thunder’s most glaring issues in 2025-26 were a lack of secondary ball-handling next to back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and volume shooting from the perimeter. — Latif Love june 24, Kansas City Star, 24 June 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 Their lack of one has been a glaring issue in the playoffs since their loss to Dallas in the 2024 Western Conference final. — Zach Harper, New York Times, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for glaring

Recent Examples of Synonyms for glaring

Adjective

Commissioned by Mattel as a blatant weekly half-hour commercial for its popular toy line, the show pits He-Man and his heroic chums against the evil (but strangely inept) Skeletor in a battle for control of Castle Grayskull.

— Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026
However, the fun police in the NBA’s legal department would (correctly) view this is as blatant cap circumvention, and would not treat this as a laughing matter.

— John Hollinger, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Definition of blatant

Verb

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
Modern tiki tends to take a lighter touch, using more abstract graphics, less imagery of women and scowling gods.

— Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026

Definition of scowling

Adjective

The teenage phenom is able to complement his obvious technical skills with a flair and maturity in high-pressure situations that is well beyond his years.

— Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
This was most obvious during Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour, when brands capitalized on all things Taylor — friendship bracelets, themed drinks and even concert outfits.

— Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of obvious

Verb

The smoke from the burning vehicles contained hazardous materials commonly found in automobiles, including fuels, oils and interior components, Nunez said, although steady winds helped disperse the smoke.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2026
According to Graser, one of the victims had called from inside the burning building, pleading for help.

— Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Definition of burning

Verb

There was one American flag sign lit, with some storefront decor gleaming red, white and blue, but the heat seemingly scared most away from celebrating July 4 before Saturday's big day.

— Amethyst Martinez, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Experiential businesses are the gleaming gemstones within the consumer discretionary bucket.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 2 July 2026

Definition of gleaming

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

Definition of frowning

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glares

glaring

glaringly

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“Glaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/glaring. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of glaring

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verb

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