black 1 of 3

Definition of blacknext
1
as in ebony
having the color of soot or coal we adopted a little black kitten

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in swarthy
not having a light complexion a black Irishman, Tyrone Power had the classic looks of a Hollywood leading man

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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black

2 of 3

noun

black

3 of 3

verb

chiefly British

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 black
Adjective
The tennis dress was cast in a black tone with sheer fabric on the sleeves and neckline. Conchita Widjojo, Footwear News, 1 June 2026 Not that Pinault looks out-of-season in his sumptuous black-leather motorcycle jacket just days after Jannik Sinner literally melted on court before our eyes. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Noun
Unexpected Pop of Color Not all work outfits need to stick to neutral whites, blacks, or navy, something writer Caroline Hughes loves to challenge in her own closet. Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026 Automobile manufacturer Henry Ford, with his Model-T Ford in one color only (black) is an early example of undifferentiated marketing strategy. Ezgi Eyüboğlu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
  • The deluxe and premier suites are striking and distinctly futuristic, with smooth lines and walnut and ebony wood paneling bringing a yacht-like feel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026
  • Told with exacting restraint yet as layered as the lacquer on an ebony Biedermeier console, this forms a loose triptych with Pawlikowski’s last two features, Ida and Cold War, both of which were set at least partly behind the Iron Curtain.
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • If the second section presents the diagnosis, then in the footnote to Howl Ginsberg writes a prescription, because if we’re oppressed by a dark faith then the only antidote is a different one.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • Villains could hide in the giant banyan tree or lurk in the spookily dark new flotation room; a fight scene might involve someone crashing down the waterfall-wall in the centre of the wellness centre.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
  • In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • From individual missions to tours aboard the ISS, video games have featured surprisingly often in the inky blackness of space.
    William Worrall, Space.com, 30 May 2026
  • Lighting the mood Production design includes dramatic lighting effects, intensely bright (oof, that spotlight) to sudden pitch-blackness.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • But in 2023, the dissent grew louder, leading a group of Finnish artists to boycott Helsinki’s Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, which had previously received money from the Zabludowiczes and which subsequently cut ties with the collectors.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026
  • Members at a Brooklyn food cooperative voted in favor of a controversial proposal to boycott Israeli goods during an online meeting Tuesday night amid deepening divisions across NYC over Israel and Palestine.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 May 2026
Adjective
  • Selena Gomez leaves the set of Only Murders in the Building season 6 in a classic gray sweater in London on May 27.
    People Staff, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026
  • The contrast between the dark gray dress and white body suit is perfect for Gauff’s Paris evening wear.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • The impact on stocks is murkier.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 28 May 2026
  • Every couple of years, the water turns murky, regardless, and the whole tank has to be drained and refilled, explains Polojärvi.
    Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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