1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
they poured gifts and affection on their darling child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved
a darling child that any couple would want to adopt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delightful
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
what a darling set of dishes!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
for a while that candidate was the darling of the news media and could do no wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweetheart
a person with whom one is in love
anything you say, darling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darling
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
The polished blouse is crafted from mulberry silk and spandex for a hint of stretch and has a darling tie-neck sash for extra flair.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
The Editors, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
French tips, solid nails, and playful blueberry designs make for the most darling finish.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
The polished blouse is crafted from mulberry silk and spandex for a hint of stretch and has a darling tie-neck sash for extra flair.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
In between seasons, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and the rest of the cast have come to rule Hollywood, starring in blockbuster franchises, A24 and Neon film-festival darlings, and generating buzzy press cycles all on their own.
—The Editors, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
French tips, solid nails, and playful blueberry designs make for the most darling finish.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Easter Sunday is a big day for many families across Texas, whether it’s spent at church, around the dinner table or celebrating with loved ones.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In some cases, airlines offer bereavement fares, which are discounted tickets for travelers dealing with the death or imminent death of a loved one.—
Layla Melendez,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In an adorable clip the Duchess of Sussex posted on Instagram last month, her daughter wore a miniature version of one of Markle's go-to silhouettes.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The adorable patch pockets also give them a retro flair that’s hard to compete with.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But cookbook author Joshua McFadden’s Spring Carbonara, which uses a ton of fresh spring peas, is absolutely delightful.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Surrounded by a delightful cast of weirdos — with a scene-stealing, hilarious turn by Marc Maron as sleazy director Sam Sylvia — GLOW is a comedy match-up worth cheering for.—
Andrew Walsh,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The result is functional comfort food that fuels modern lifestyles -- bringing together great taste and powerful nutrition so people can enjoy classic favorites like pasta night with the benefits of high protein, high fiber and dramatically fewer carbs.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Game Zone arcade area is another easy win, especially for younger kids and teens, with a mix of high-tech games and nostalgic favorites that make a great break from the sun.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Though Metayer Bowen and her husband had only been married for a few years, they were described by friends as high school sweethearts.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Another set of high school sweethearts, Kris and Jessica Bryant wed in their native Las Vegas in January 2017.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ezra did his own showcasing when meeting with CBS LA, presenting his entire collection of toy police cars, his detective notebook and his beloved police hat.—
Lesley Marin,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
But the author didn't originally set out to write a follow-up to one of her most beloved books.—
Carly Tagen-Dye,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Growing up, Ralph Newman, the Lincoln historian and bookshop owner, was a dear friend of our family and a mentor to me.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Banks wrote a book with Isaac Knapper, the man wrongfully convicted for her father’s murder, calling him a dear friend.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Jayden is a sweet, funny, and bright young boy with a joyful and engaging personality.—
MARE Staff,
Boston Herald,
5 Apr. 2026
-
So all that sweet flavor is preserved.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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