1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
they poured gifts and affection on their darling child
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The Osbournes are truly animal lovers, and perhaps the most darling part of the series was how nearly every scene had at least one of the family’s many dogs or cats sniffing around.
—Maya Salam, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Currently, her work has been worn by fashion icons Naomi Campbell and Anok Yai, as well as music darlings like Kelly Rowland, Cassie, and SZA.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
Vibrant, golden turmeric, the darling Indian spice packed with curcumin, an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, has also been shown to prevent memory loss.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025
The Osbournes are truly animal lovers, and perhaps the most darling part of the series was how nearly every scene had at least one of the family’s many dogs or cats sniffing around.
—Maya Salam, New York Times, 23 July 2025
Noun
After breaking out in 2016, Khalid became an industry darling, garnering five Grammy nominations and becoming a go-to duet partner for everyone from Ed Sheeran to Billie Eilish (see sidebar).
—Jeff Nelson, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Currently, her work has been worn by fashion icons Naomi Campbell and Anok Yai, as well as music darlings like Kelly Rowland, Cassie, and SZA.
—Essence, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
All my love to her children and loved ones.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
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That credo reasserts itself as Polly begins to be haunted by visions of her loved ones.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There are several toys my daughter is still obsessed with after owning them for years, including a dinosaur dig sensory bin, an adorable wooden tea set, and a Lego Duplo set.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
8 Oct. 2025
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In the comments, followers jokingly defended Duke — who now has over 160,000 followers on his Instagram @lifewithduke2025 — and his adorable quirks.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Beauvoir’s letters show a softer, surprisingly endearing side of the pioneering feminist, and Acocella mines them for the delightful and the dirty.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
12 Oct. 2025
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The Book Club films that allowed audiences one last chance to savor this delightful movie star kicking back and letting her charisma carry a picture.—
Tim Grierson,
Rolling Stone,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a lot to dig through, but two of our favorites are on the Ninja Creami and the Air Fryer Pro XL.—
Melissa Knific,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
9 Oct. 2025
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The pair explores some of the most historic areas of the palace, as well as some of William's favorites, and the royal heir, 43, shares some personal anecdotes about the comings and goings at Windsor.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Deano and Victoria Valdez Deano is married to Victoria Valdez, his high school sweetheart.—
Sarah Dahlberg,
NBC news,
8 Oct. 2025
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On June 21, 2025, the NFL star exchanged vows with his high school sweetheart, Ann Michael Hudson, at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in North Carolina, per The News & Observer.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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No one is better built than Leavy, a crafty veteran sportswriter, for between-innings repartee, wry asides, and tossed-off ideas for improving her beloved sport—and maybe even keeping its ever-looming obsolescence at bay for another decade or three.—
Mark Leibovich,
The Atlantic,
8 Oct. 2025
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Thus, the scheme of thoughtfully layered illumination, including the pair of Grand Central Terminal–worthy pendants in the kitchen (each weighing in the realm of 60 pounds), plaster sconces, custom lampshades, and Deschanel’s beloved Murano chandeliers.—
Catherine Hong,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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But there is also a Republican president who called Abilene his boyhood home and is even more dear to this community.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
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Saw some really dear friends on the Jets sideline, Bobby Mastrodi, security guard, so great to see.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In collaboration with interior design content creators Chris and Julia Marcum, this sweet scalloped rug adds visual interest with a scalloped edge.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
6 Oct. 2025
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The bacon fat and rendered ham drippings are the backbone of this super simple savory sauce, studded with small pieces of sweet mirepoix and earthy black-eyed peas.—
Elizabeth Mervosh,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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