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 However, Norway is a worthy dark horse — not only in the match itself, but the entire tournament. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Dark horses Germany Four-time World Cup winner Germany is listed as a dark horse primarily because of its subpar performances since winning the title in 2014, with the team failing to progress from the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 Erling Haaland is a big reason for their revival; bearing a striking resemblance to a Norse god – and with an aura to match – his goalscoring prowess makes some think Norway could be a dark horse for the tournament. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 21 June 2026 This comeback could be just what the team needs to fulfill its dark horse arc. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 17 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
  • Markets may be used as stalking horses to extract more from other markets.
    — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • As part of those filings, Red Lobster entered into a stalking horse purchase agreement pursuant to which Red Lobster will sell its business to an entity formed and controlled by its existing term lenders.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of stalking horse
Noun
  • Cameron Young is favored to win at +1025, with Jake Knapp identified as a long shot at +3600.
    — Jeff Hartman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Already, the group holds a 26 percent stake and offered to buy the rest of the company at 38 euros a share, although analysts see an actual buyout as a long shot.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
Definition of long shot
Noun
  • 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
  • Fort Worth’s favorite son is releasing a new album this fall.
    — Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of favorite son
Noun
  • Zidane will be counted on to lift the organization’s spirits after the national team, which was widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the title in North America, was bounced from the tournament by eventual winner Spain in the semifinals.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • And that the recent favorite of this game in Dublin has not only lost, but had a terrible year.
    — Mac Engel July 28, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • The White House said Canada’s policies gave foreign competitors an unfair advantage.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Sony first brought lawsuits against Udio and its competitor Suno in June 2024 alongside labels Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 22 July 2026
Definition of competitor
Noun
  • When The East Palace begins, the court assumes that the recent death of a crown prince is a result of the 30-year-old royal curse.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Prompted to do the same for Thailand’s king, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince or China’s leader, and the artificial intelligence model declined.
    — Didi Tang, Fortune, 16 July 2026
Definition of crown prince
Noun
  • Raven was previously announced as part of the cast in an official press release obtained by EW, which touted her as an official contestant.
    — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 31 July 2026
  • Not knowing the answer, the contestants used their lifeline to ask host Jimmy Kimmel.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 July 2026
Definition of contestant
Noun
  • The site is now preserved by the Kohler Foundation, and donations are welcome but not required for entry.
    — Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 29 July 2026
  • The job market is favoring those who are more established and leaving early-entry level candidates in the dust.
    — Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of entry

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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 Aug. 2026.

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