dark 1 of 2

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as in black
not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in evil
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 & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dark

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noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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 dark
Adjective
During the long polar nights, the Northern Lights can appear any time after dark, painting the sky with vibrant colors. AFAR Media, 26 June 2025 However, there are lingering threats of electronic interference that can impact a ship’s navigation systems with high levels reported during dark periods, JMIC says. Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 26 June 2025
Noun
These award-winning beers hail from multiple countries and range from dark to light lagers and draw on a diverse range of traditional and modern brewing techniques. Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 High above Chicago, in the predawn dark, flew an airborne river of migratory birds. Vincent Alban, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Through the park fence, across Essex Street, and up on the sixth floor of a prewar building hung their small, dim apartment.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2025
  • Our plants cannot go from dim, indoor lighting to super bright full sun outside.
    Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025
Adjective
  • And, in addition to versatile black or white, the range now includes 12 total color options, including vibrant red, blue, and hot pink.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
  • Leavitt held up the note to reporters, which appeared to have been written by Trump using his signature black Sharpie.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • During that bleak era, Che-Chung Tsai, a researcher at the University of Washington, contacted several companies, seeking experimental drugs for use in an animal study.
    Jon Cohen, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
  • That said, Google’s latest survey paints a bleak picture.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The main lot of Occidental Studios, a complex near downtown Los Angeles that touts its legacy dating back to the silent film era, is on the market.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025
  • Occidental Studios, which dates back to 1913, was once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • These beers had previously been included within larger, more ambiguous lager categories for the Great American Beer Festival competition, but the Brewers Association says the uniqueness and growing popularity of these styles warrants individual guideline recognition.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Tipping for other services may be more ambiguous and recommended as a dollar amount instead, like $10 per hour or $5 per bag carried or shuttle driven.
    Katie Kelton, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • The former Fox host Tucker Carlson, who opposed such an operation, sparred with two boosters: the current Fox host Mark Levin, and the Republican senator Ted Cruz, whom Carlson revealed to be ignorant of basic facts about Iran in a clip that went viral.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 27 June 2025
  • Maybe LLMs get us 80% of the way there without any oversight, but skipping the context and being completely ignorant of what the machine is doing is typically not a good idea, partly for the reasons that the panelists laid out.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • Unfortunately, those lofty first-act ambitions give way to something much more formulaic, as Buzz joins forces with the usual ragtag bunch of misfits to battle the evil Emperor Zurg.
    Richard Edwards, Space.com, 20 June 2025
  • In Twin Peaks, Deputy Chief Hawk and Sheriff Frank Truman—filling in for ailing brother Frank—work on following a lead phoned in by an ailing Log Lady, while Richard Horne, son of Audrey Horne and Cooper’s evil double, spiraling into depravity and addiction, kills a child in a hit-and-run.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The Chicago Bulls took a swing in the NBA draft Wednesday night by selecting French teenager Noa Essengue with the No. 12 pick.
    Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
  • Newsweek reached out to the company via email for comment Wednesday night.
    Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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