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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5

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
For another shot, Hailey wore a black triangle bra featuring ultra-thin straps and a streamlined silhouette, paired with coordinating high-cut bottoms accented by delicate string sides. Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2026 Count me out, announce the smart tailoring, the neatly crossed black silk bandana. Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
Noun
Those who don’t shy away from more adventurous colors can indulge in vibrant options like aquamarine and amber, though purists have their pick as well with options like crystal and glossy black. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 June 2026 The black, elongated shades evoke vintage flair, a trademark of Meghan’s style. Claire West, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
  • The venerable patriarch is leaning heavily on an ebony cane, and is followed closely by his personal assistant, a bald gnome of a man, armed with a notebook and pencil.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 June 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Tourism and city officials say that marketplace channels festival foot traffic directly to Black entrepreneurs and helps keep dollars circulating in local neighborhoods long after the stages go dark.
    Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 23 June 2026
  • Jason kept the look casual in a light blue graphic T-shirt, white shorts, a baseball cap and dark sunglasses.
    Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • 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
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
  • Hawthorne mostly succeeds at keeping the blackness in check in this foray into YA.
    John Swansburg, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Calls to boycott Japanese products occur frequently whenever old grievances re-emerge.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • There has been no reporting that Sinner and other tennis stars would boycott the singles draws at the Open, where the winners will take home $5 million each.
    Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier this season, Jackie and Shadow laid four eggs, but two were destroyed during a raven attack.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier this season, the pair laid four eggs, but two were destroyed during a raven attack.
    Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One who can tip the scales and slide white to gray and gray to felony.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • In fall, the panicles dry on the plant and can be a source of interest even in the gray winter.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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