STALKING-HORSE Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

stalking horse

noun

Definition of stalking horse

as in dark horse

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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 stalking horse Records show Indicate Capital submitted stalking horse bids multiple times in recent weeks, only to pull them and ask that an auction be pushed two weeks out. — Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025 As part of those filings, Red Lobster entered into a stalking horse purchase agreement pursuant to which Red Lobster will sell its business to an entity formed and controlled by its existing term lenders. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 Now Lugano is going through Chapter 11 proceedings with jewelry specialist Enhanced Retail Funding standing as the stalking horse bidder to own the business afterward. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 17 Nov. 2025 After the buildings were put into bankruptcy last year, Summit offered to buy dozens of buildings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Queens in the form of a stalking horse bid, meaning the transaction is subject to potentially better offers at auction. — Jonathan Randles, Bloomberg, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalking horse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalking horse

Noun

But the Idaho cyclist heads into this year’s tour as a wild card and a popular dark horse pick after a hectic start to the 2026 season.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2026
However, Norway is a worthy dark horse — not only in the match itself, but the entire tournament.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026

Definition of dark horse

Noun

In recent years, Turkey has played a spoiler within NATO, slowing down the accession of Sweden and Finland in 2023 and 2024.

— Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR, 7 July 2026
Read our show coverage here, including our spoiler finale interviews with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, and Natalie Alyn Lind.

— Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2026

Definition of spoiler

Noun

Under the current system, office holders targeted in a recall are barred from being a candidate to replace themselves in that same election.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
So did former Gwinnett County School Board Chairman Everton Blair, the only candidate who ran for a full term to also qualify in the special election.

— Tia Mitchell, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of candidate

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stalking

stalking horse

stalking horses

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“Stalking horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalking%20horse. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stalking horse

noun

Example Sentences

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