dark horse

noun

Definition of dark horsenext
1
as in stalking horse

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in long shot

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Dissimilar Words

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 horse Canales’ acknowledgement of Reed’s ability to play all three wide receiver positions is probably the best endorsement a dark horse can receive during the first week of camp. — Mike Kaye august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 Daniel Jones is also noted as a dark horse for this significant award. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Speedy Ethan Bonner, the third-year player, is a dark horse starting candidate. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 But the Idaho cyclist heads into this year’s tour as a wild card and a popular dark horse pick after a hectic start to the 2026 season. — Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark horse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse
  1. stalking horse
  2. long shot
  3. favorite son
  4. favorite
  5. competitor
  6. crown prince
  7. contestant
  8. entry
Noun
  • The Dania Beach headquarters campus that once served as the nerve center of now-defunct Spirit Airlines has been sold to a Boston hedge fund that served as the stalking horse bidder in a bankruptcy court auction.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Markets may be used as stalking horses to extract more from other markets.
    — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of stalking horse
Noun
  • First, the sequence pays homage to the nightclub scene in Gilda (1946), in which Rita Hayworth dances in a long shot amid ogling male patrons, tracked by a concentrated spotlight.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But wrangling leaders in both countries to take action could be a long shot.
    — Lauren Feiner, The Verge, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of long shot
Noun
  • Steve Spurrier was coming home; the favorite son, the Heisman Trophy winner, the coach who was about to change Florida football forever.
    — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
  • This is Southport's favorite son, and one of golf's most beloved figures because of his grace handling more tough losses than wins.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
Definition of favorite son
Noun
  • The Eagles are betting favorites to beat the Bears in Week 3.
    — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Zesta Saltine Crackers Zesta’s Saltine Crackers was not a favorite of testers, putting it near the bottom of the list.
    — Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • But unlike its competitors, Mistral has no plans to slow down development of advanced models.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The ultimate Finals and championship experience, fiery competitor.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of competitor
Noun
  • His group stayed at the Royal Mustang Resort, which is run by the former kingdom’s crown prince Jigme Bista.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Norway’s crown prince ascends to the throne after the death of his father, King Harald V.
    — Violet Jira, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of crown prince
Noun
  • Related In the sketch, four of KATSEYE’s six members appear as judges overseeing a new crop of contestants whose journey to pop stardom is much more chaotic than the first season.
    — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Stranded in the Welsh mountains, seven reality show contestants must expose their rivals secrets live on air.
    — L.M. Chilton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of contestant
Noun
  • Asian cinema accounts for 96 films, women directed 41, and 20 are official entries for the international feature category at the 99th Academy Awards.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Prince’s Folk Songs greet visitors upon entry with an equally muscular confrontation with industrial excess.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of entry

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darkens
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Cite this Entry

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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