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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black

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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
Video showed flames on a large refinery tank with thick black smoke that was quickly extinguished. Charlene Gubash, NBC news, 30 Mar. 2026 The Fed’s experience of allowing inflation to run too hot for too long in 2021-22 is like a black cloud hanging in the distance, haunting Fed officials today. Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
Noun
In Lohja, almost 40 miles from the Finnish capital of Helsinki, a 365-square-foot sustainable tiny house stands as a matte black, avant-garde response to modern day climate and demographic challenges. Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026 The driver’s seat, which had been modified to accommodate Selleck’s height of 6 feet 4 inches, was returned to standard spec, and the interior was reportedly color-switched from its original Crema tan to Nero black. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
  • The kitchen, connected to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, features ebony cabinetry and integrated appliances.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
  • The high-end products are in sync with the barber shop’s old-school aesthetic, combining columns, capitals and green marble with opulent mosaic flooring, black ebony walls, coffered ceilings and metopes crafted by Venetian glassmakers.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Bathrooms are smartly designed to fit large shower-baths into a relatively compact space; tiling is dark and mirrored with pleasing gold accents.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Brown, a mental health advocate, has also previously mentioned Moore as a key person who was there for him during dark times.
    Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 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
  • The film's opening two minutes play out in complete blackness, a picture-less overture showcasing legendary James Bond composer John Barry's majestic score.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2026
  • With the streets in pitch blackness, some neighbors said their cameras don't capture much more than the immediate surroundings of their home.
    Clara Migoya, USA Today, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The wars in Iran and Ukraine will be top of the agenda, while South Africa, which was supposed to attend as an observing nation, says France withdrew its G7 invitation after the US threatened to boycott.
    Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Researchers find that only a small part of the population needs to protest, boycott or strike to create strong pressure.
    David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Murray is 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighs 230 pounds, and was last seen wearing a gray shirt, gray sweatpants and black and blue shoes.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The majority of the seats are in place, alternated in pink, black, gray and white with some positioned to depict a heron, the team’s mascot.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The lack of clarity about IPRoyal’s proxy network coverage, as well as its murky privacy policy, leaves it behind in those two key categories.
    Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Mueller’s inability to get to the bottom of the murk did not make the murk any less murky.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.

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