Entry Word: darling

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 granted special treatment or attention <they poured gifts and affection on their darling child>

Synonyms beloved, cherished, dear, favored, favorite, loved, pet, precious, special, sweet

Related Words admired, adored, appreciated, esteemed, relished, revered; prized, treasured; preferred

Near Antonyms despised, detested, disdained, disfavored, disliked, execrated, hated, loathed; abandoned, forgotten, ignored

2 having qualities that tend to make one loved <a darling child that any couple would want to adopt> — see lovable
3 giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses <what a darling set of dishes!> — see pleasant