staring
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for staring, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Looking fixedly with wide-open eyes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use staring
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
staring eyes
staring contest
wide-eyed staring
Frequently asked questions
What does “staring” mean?
The word “staring” means looking fixedly with wide-open eyes. In plain terms, the action or manner of looking fixedly at something.
How do you pronounce “staring”?
“Staring” is pronounced STEH-uh-rihng (/ˈstɛɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “staring” in a sentence?
Here is “staring” used in a sentence: “The staring crowd made her nervous.”
What part of speech is “staring”?
Depending on how it is used, “staring” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “staring” a common word?
“Staring” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “staring” have?
“Staring” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: looking fixedly with wide-open eyes.
What is the difference between staring and gazing?
"Gazing" suggests a soft, steady, often admiring or dreamy look, as in gazing at the stars. "Staring" is more fixed and intense and can come across as rude or challenging.
What is the difference between staring and glaring?
"Staring" is a neutral description of looking fixedly with wide-open eyes, without any set emotion. "Glaring" adds anger or hostility, so a glare is an angry stare.
When is staring considered impolite?
Staring at a stranger, or at someone's body or disability, is widely seen as rude because the fixed, prolonged look feels intrusive. A brief glance is usually acceptable, but a sustained stare tends to make people uncomfortable.
What words commonly follow staring?
"Staring" is most often followed by "at" (staring at the screen) or "into" (staring into space, staring into the distance). The related phrase "a blank stare" describes an empty, expressionless fixed look.
