Thesaurus

dark

Q: How is the word 'dark' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous , cryptic , enigmatic , equivocal , obscure , and vague . While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. // muttered dark hints of revenge

Q: In what contexts can 'ambiguous' take the place of 'dark'?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. // an ambiguous directive

Q: When might 'cryptic' be a better fit than 'dark'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark , cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. // cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Q: When could 'enigmatic' be used to replace 'dark'?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. // enigmatic occult writings

Q: When can 'equivocal' be used instead of 'dark'?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. // moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Q: When is 'obscure' a more appropriate choice than 'dark'?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. // obscure poems

Q: When would 'vague' be a good substitute for 'dark'?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. // a vague sense of obligation

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Synonyms & Antonyms of dark

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 being without light or without much light

a dark alley that most people wisely avoided

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

crepuscular,
twilit

gray
(also grey),
leaden,
pale

Near Antonyms for dark

ultrabright

Antonyms for dark

2 not having a light complexion

he was tall, dark, and handsome

Synonyms for dark

Near Antonyms for dark

Antonyms for dark

light

3 causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer

her mind was filled with dark thoughts until the results of the medical test came back as negative

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

Near Antonyms for dark

Antonyms for dark

4 given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge

the actor was always quite dark about his life before his arrival in Hollywood

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

discreet,
prudent

Near Antonyms for dark

Antonyms for dark

communicative,
open

5 having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning

the superhero was not daunted by the villain's dark threats

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

eerie
(also eery),
uncanny,
weird

Near Antonyms for dark

defined,
determined

Antonyms for dark

6 lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books

is known as a dark period in European history when people lived in ignorance, fear, and want

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

unsophisticated

Near Antonyms for dark

sophisticated

Antonyms for dark

7 not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable

dark deeds that resulted in the Russian czar being known to history as Ivan the Terrible

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

disallowed

Near Antonyms for dark

Antonyms for dark

dark

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of dark (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a time or place of little or no light

I have a bad habit of running into tables in the dark

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

midnight

shadiness,
umbrage

half-light

Near Antonyms for dark

Antonyms for dark

2 the time from sunset to sunrise when there is no visible sunlight

we were going to wait until dark to go trick-or-treating

Synonyms for dark

Words Related to dark

midnight

Near Antonyms for dark

forenoon,
morning

afternoon

Antonyms for dark

day,
daytime

Frequently Asked Questions About dark

How is the word dark different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can ambiguous take the place of dark?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When might cryptic be a better fit than dark?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When could enigmatic be used to replace dark?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of dark?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than dark?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When would vague be a good substitute for dark?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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