dark energy

noun

: a hypothetical form of energy that produces a force that opposes gravity and is thought to be the cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe

Examples of dark energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind, Roman’s unprecedented observational capability will offer practically limitless opportunities for astronomers to explore all kinds of cosmic topics. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026 In its time orbiting Earth, Hubble has shaped our understanding of the universe by observing the atmospheric composition of planets around other stars and even discovering dark energy – a mysterious force that causes the universe to expand. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 28 May 2026 Monodromic k-essence models of dark energy appear to match actual observations of the universe slightly better than quintessence. Wyatt Williams, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 The effective equation-of-state parameter (a number cosmologists use to characterize dark energy, which equals exactly -1 for a true cosmological constant) comes out slightly greater than -1 in this model. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark energy

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark energy was in 1998

Cite this Entry

“Dark energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20energy. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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