stark

adjective

\ ˈstärk

Definition of stark

(Entry 1 of 4)

1a : rigid in or as if in death

b : rigidly conforming (as to a pattern or doctrine) : absolute stark discipline

2 archaic : strong, robust

3 : utter, sheer stark nonsense

4a : barren, desolate

b(1) : having few or no ornaments : bare a stark white room

(2) : harsh, blunt the stark realities of death

5 : sharply delineated a stark contrast

stark

adverb

Definition of stark (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : in a stark manner

2 : to an absolute or complete degree : wholly stark naked stark mad

Stark

biographical name (1)

\ ˈshtärk

, ˈstärk

Definition of Stark (Entry 3 of 4)

Johannes 1874–1957 German physicist

Stark

biographical name (2)

\ ˈstärk

Definition of Stark (Entry 4 of 4)

John 1728–1822 American general in Revolution

Other Words from stark Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about stark

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Examples of stark in a Sentence

Adjective

The room was decorated with stark simplicity. the stark reality of death This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving. There is a stark difference between them. His criticism of the movie stands in stark contrast to the praise it has received from others.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Their success stands in stark contrast to the U.S. Men's National Team, which failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, leaving American fans without a team to cheer on during the tournament. — Vanna Quiroz, CBS News, "More people watched the Women's World Cup final than the 2018 men's final," 8 July 2019 The league’s hard-hitting, cinematic matches stand in stark contrast to the more soapy and slapstick television product that the premier U.S. wrestling group, World Wrestling Entertainment, puts out. — Adam Abdalla, Dallas News, "New Japan Pro-Wrestling makes its live Dallas debut tonight — and you can thank Mark Cuban for it," 6 July 2019 The move is in stark contrast to that of previous boss Sarri, who did not attend a single academy session or watch any Under-23 game in his one season at the helm. — SI.com, "Frank Lampard 'Finalises' Chelsea Deal Following Six-Hour Meeting at Stamford Bridge," 4 July 2019 There are also plants all around Dani’s apartment, in stark contrast to the snowy landscape outside. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Midsommar’s twisted ending, explained," 3 July 2019 That discovery was in stark contrast to existing scientific understanding, which had long held that the slow, degenerative process occurred with aging. — nola.com, "Horns are growing on young people’s skulls; researchers blame phone use," 22 June 2019 The statement marble fireplace, glossy green ceiling, and trademark Hollywood Regency vibe was a stark departure from the originally drab space, and reflected both the couple and designer’s charismatic energy. — Lucia Tonelli, ELLE Decor, "See the Dramatic Reveal from the Best Room Wins Series Premiere," 2 May 2019 And his belief that the Soviets were right to invade is a stark departure from U.S. and world opinion. — Hope Yen, The Seattle Times, "AP FACT CHECK: Trump claims innocence in probe; wall myths," 7 Jan. 2019 That is a stark departure from previous American presidents of both parties, who have tended to regard the alliance as an invaluable force for collective defense that reflects shared values among its members. — New York Times, "As Trump Criticizes NATO, E.U. Leader Warns: You ‘Won’t Have a Better Ally’," 10 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Around the turn of the last century, our place, which is now surrounded by woods, sat stark on a bald hilltop with nary a tree in sight. — Vogue, "3 Writers On Living Sustainably In 2018," 21 June 2018 Kruger’s stark, carefully laid out design cleverly turns the façade of an innocuous strip-building into the memory of a Greek temple, the classical style in which art museums were once conventionally built. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "Artist Barbara Kruger turns a bland building into a screaming statement. Time to listen up," 14 June 2018 Joslyn Gray is the author of the humor blog stark. raving. — Joslyn Gray, Redbook, "Parental Peer Pressure: A Game I Cannot Win," 12 Mar. 2012

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stark.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.