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 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 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 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
  • From its inception, the Swift Boost mission was always viewed as a long shot.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Finding a new use for these byproducts may sound like a long shot, but it’s been done before.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Aug. 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
  • Vegas has tabbed the Red Raiders as the overwhelming favorite.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Manley, though, was more circumspect about Wasserman Schultz’s status as the favorite.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Last year, Chinese firms accounted for the vast majority of global android deliveries, far outpacing American competitors like Tesla, Figure AI and Boston Dynamics.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The pharmaceutical giant has sought out new avenues of success with cancer-treatment drugs and to catch up with its competitors, which have dominated the market for weight-loss medications.
    — Sam Jacobs, Time, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of competitor
Noun
  • Trump suggested that his conversation with the Saudi crown prince weighed heavily in his decision to halt his plans to carry out strikes on Iran.
    — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Saudi crown prince spoke to Trump, a White House official told Reuters, but did not provide details.
    — Yasmine Ghania, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of crown prince
Noun
  • Higgins was joined by Rausch and fellow Season 4 contestants Monét X Change, Tara Lipinski, Lisa Rinna, Rob Cesternino and Eric Nam for the Deadline conversation.
    — The Deadline Team, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The finale features four contestants competing on an American Ninja Warrior–style course, and the other 116 competitors lined up behind them in patriotic jerseys.
    — Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of contestant
Noun
  • There are wild card entries at just about every ATP and WTA tournament.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In other words, when the person putting the open sign is not truly in charge of the establishment, the credibility of the claim comes under scrutiny, deterring entry.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of entry

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darkens
dark horse
dark horses
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Cite this Entry

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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