1
2
as in dark
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer
the Friday of the stock market crash was indeed a black day for the country
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
4
as in darkened
being without light or without much light
on a black night such as this, the imagination runs wild
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in blackened
not clean
after mopping the floor, the water in the bucket was black
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in blackness
a time or place of little or no light
we had to find our way on back roads in the black of night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Finish and color GE microwaves are available in all manner of colors and finishes, though black and stainless steel are two of the most popular.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
It’s made of soft pebbled leather with gunmetal hardware, and it’s also offered in Coach’s signature chenille pattern and neutral black.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black
Noun
Brooks Nader’s penchant for black pumps knows no bounds.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025
Finish and color GE microwaves are available in all manner of colors and finishes, though black and stainless steel are two of the most popular.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
Fans dress up in leather, lace, flowing skirts, hats, scarves and the color black — lots of black.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2025
It’s made of soft pebbled leather with gunmetal hardware, and it’s also offered in Coach’s signature chenille pattern and neutral black.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
-
This ebony offering is sold in a stylish glass bottle that belies its complex makeup.—
Joseph Hernandez,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The striking arrow shapes are an empowering accessory, yet there’s a subtlety in the muted bronze, ebony, and antique diamonds (which have a softer shimmer than modern cuts).—
Jill Newman,
Robb Report,
19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
For a darker experience in the City of Light, venture beneath Paris and explore its hundreds of miles of catacombs.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Patrick wore a classic dark grey suit with coordinating pants and jacket.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Over the weekend, around 16,000 people paid their respects to the designer at his funeral chamber at the Armani Teatro designed by Tadao Ando, filled with white flowers and paper lanterns on the floor in a diagonal grid formation dimly lit up the darkened venue.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
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
-
One hour becomes two, two become three, my mind straining for answers in the blackness.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Smoke and blackness enfolded him.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The decision follows internal divisions among EBU members, with broadcasters from Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia threatening to boycott the event if Israel competes.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
-
While many of her peers boycott the Harry Potter universe, Keira Knightley appears to have avoided the fiery discourse around the franchise.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
If the black isn’t to your taste, the slippers are also available in gray and brown.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Brandon Miller exited with left shoulder soreness and didn’t return, leaving a gray cloud over the Hornets’ scrappy performance against a team that’s been their arch nemesis.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Elements of her can be found on Lioness in Zoe Saldaña’s Joe McNamara, a CIA operative trying to save the world from the swarthy — terrorists in Season One, Mexican cartels in Season Two — while raising two girls.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
9 Mar. 2025
-
Jett Rink was a really malevolent varmint, and kind of swarthy and dark.—
Jeff Conway,
Forbes,
2 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share