darkened; darkening
ˈdär-kə-niŋ 
1
: to grow dark : become obscured
the skies were darkening
2
: to become gloomy
his mood darkened
1
: to make dark
2
: to make less clear : obscure
the financial crisis darkened the future of the company
4
: to cast a gloom over
5
: to make of darker color
Examples of darken in a Sentence
The sky darkened and it started to rain.
Her face darkens to a deep red when she gets angry.
The wood will darken as it ages.
The bad news darkened his mood.
The last days of her life were darkened by illness.
His mood darkened after he heard the bad news.
Recent Examples on the Web
Snag these room darkening curtain panels for just $11, or cozy up your bed with new throw pillows and this chunky knit throw blanket.
—
Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
While newer formulations tend to avoid these ingredients, some still include actives that can be harsh, especially on sensitive areas like the underarms, where skin is thinner and prone to irritation or darkening.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
As the fourth official put up his electronic board with Danny Welbeck’s number on it, the mood in the away end began to darken.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
By most measures, Trump’s takeover has darkened the center’s financial picture.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
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Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
While newer formulations tend to avoid these ingredients, some still include actives that can be harsh, especially on sensitive areas like the underarms, where skin is thinner and prone to irritation or darkening.
—Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
As the fourth official put up his electronic board with Danny Welbeck’s number on it, the mood in the away end began to darken.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025
By most measures, Trump’s takeover has darkened the center’s financial picture.
—Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
Cite this Entry
“Darken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/darken. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
darken
verb
dark·en
ˈdär-kən
darkened; darkening
ˈdärk-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to make or grow dark or darker
the sky darkened
2
: to make or become gloomy or forbidding
her face darkened in anger
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