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as in black
not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable dark deeds that resulted in the Russian czar being known to history as Ivan the Terrible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dark

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dark different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can ambiguous take the place of dark?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When might cryptic be a better fit than dark?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When could enigmatic be used to replace dark?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of dark?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than dark?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When would vague be a good substitute for dark?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of dark
Adjective
With their golden yellow rays surrounding a dark cone, Rudbeckias are quintessential summer blooms. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 22 May 2025 Large amounts of larvae were in dark crevices inside the homes, including under appliances or furniture. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 10 May 2025
Noun
With his supernatural expertise, Harry must navigate Chicago’s dark underbelly to stop the killer before more victims are claimed, all while dealing with the dangerous creatures and forces that lurk in the shadows. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 Kevin wore a pretty classic dark wash denim on denim look with his wife and daughter in the city. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Soldiers from the caisson detachment in blue jeans, black shirts and white cowboy hats mucked out stalls.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Video showed dozens of LAPD officers massed in a skirmish line across the street from the mob, gripping black and green riot guns that fire foam rounds.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Adjective
  • The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their work resists gentrification's silent displacement and instead champions intentional design, historical reverence, and generational empowerment.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Plus, each drawer opens and closes smoothly thanks to the silent metal slide construction.
    Bridget Degnan, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • Trump has no knowledge of military history and has surrounded himself with advisers equally ignorant.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 May 2025
  • Anger materializes in people who are toxic and ignorant.
    Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Will the company itself go rogue and opt to use AGI for evil deeds?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • In an incisive observation of the way that an adult’s words can sometimes settle on a child with unusual weight, I-Jing absorbs this folk superstition without question, and begins to shoplift gaudy trinkets from surrounding market stalls, only ever using her evil left hand.
    Jessica Kiang, Variety, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
  • Starmer is due to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa to sign the deal on Monday morning, after the two sides agreed the final details in the middle of the night.
    Kate Holton, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • There is no evidence that Ms. Harris paid for the endorsements, although details on celebrity engagements can be somewhat murky.
    Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even as the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China has lifted sentiment this week, some major U.S. companies are issuing warnings about rising costs and a murky macroeconomic outlook.
    Pia Singh,Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 31 May. 2025.

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