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

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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

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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
Jennifer Aniston walked the red carpet in a sleek black Rochas gown accessorized with diamond and platinum Bvlgari jewelry from the 1930s, while Felicity Huffman’s take on a black dress, as designed by Zac Posen, went in a different direction with sheer panels and a plunging neckline. Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026 Consider a leg-baring pick from Free People for your next cocktail party, or go with Cider’s sleek black take for a more formal affair. Alison Syrett Cleary, Glamour, 2 Mar. 2026
Noun
Neutral tones like khaki, stone and black are offset by vibrant orange and hot pink. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026 Rather than the predictable black for ironwork and fixtures, owners chose RAL 5004—a deep blue that happens to match the Spanish national police uniforms. Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
  • 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
  • Jenner's ebony mane was done in tousled waves.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Labrum presented a global outlook with block-print denim suits and dark wash denim coordinates embellished with oversized brooches and unconventional hardware.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 3 Mar. 2026
  • For best results, use a dark or espresso roast, use the smallest cup setting available and use the strongest brew setting.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 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
  • More than 20 organizations have since supported the call to boycott the film over Barrera’s firing, and there were protesters at the film’s premiere.
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Many of them did so outside of the House chamber, choosing to instead boycott the annual address at a time when the government is in its third partial shutdown in the last five months.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Sitting at a red light, a red SUV and a gray pickup truck were waiting to go until both fell instantly as the road collapsed.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Johnson, 63, stands well above six feet tall, and his chin is ringed by a grey goatee.
    Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • But the longer term fiscal picture is murkier.
    Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Under the late afternoon clouds, the water appears murky, too dark to hold a reflection of the soot- and algae-stained warehouses on the pier.
    Danielle Parker, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

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