dark horse
noun
1
a
: a usually little known contender (such as a racehorse) that makes an unexpectedly good showing
b
: an entrant in a contest that is judged unlikely to succeed
2
: a political candidate unexpectedly nominated usually as a compromise between factions
Examples of dark horse in a Sentence
The Democrat from Utah has gone from being a dark horse to the front-runner in the campaign for President.
The movie is a dark horse for the award.
He is a dark horse, but I did find out that he once played football professionally.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tremayne has become a dark horse in the wideout competition because of his reliable hands and understated route running ability, and Young took advantage of both attributes on the deep toss.
—
Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Another college coach who could emerge as a dark horse for the Ducks gig might be Pat Ferschweiler, who just won a national title with Western Michigan – where Ducks forward Sam Colangelo and prospect Tim Washe matriculated – and has some tangential ties to Verbeek.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 5 May 2025
Among the brilliant first four Talking Heads albums, More Songs About Buildings and Food has always been a dark horse candidate for the all-around greatest.
—Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
After nearly reaching the Super Bowl last season, Washington is now viewed as a dark horse contender in the NFC.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dark horse
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Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Another college coach who could emerge as a dark horse for the Ducks gig might be Pat Ferschweiler, who just won a national title with Western Michigan – where Ducks forward Sam Colangelo and prospect Tim Washe matriculated – and has some tangential ties to Verbeek.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 5 May 2025
Among the brilliant first four Talking Heads albums, More Songs About Buildings and Food has always been a dark horse candidate for the all-around greatest.
—Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 26 July 2025
After nearly reaching the Super Bowl last season, Washington is now viewed as a dark horse contender in the NFC.
—Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for dark horse
Cite this Entry
“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20horse. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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