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 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 Often considered a dark horse on the Team USA squad, 17-year-old Simone Rose rose to the occasion on Sunday, winning a pair of silver medals on the uneven bars and on balance beam. — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 21 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
  • Earning a spot in the Warriors’ regular season rotation is a long shot, but Olbrich is a prime candidate to join the Santa Cruz G League team and develop under the tutelage of that arm of the Golden State organization.
    — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 14 July 2026
  • With Simon out of the net, Doue wound up for a long shot just outside the box, but Simon recovered and saved the shot in the 81st minute.
    — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 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
  • Dodgers fan favorite Kiké Hernández has built a reputation for clutch October moments and an easygoing personality.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • While the celebration continues, Lamine Yamal and crew are already the favorites to retain the trophy at the 2030 tournament.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 20 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
  • Meghan said, once again showing Harry to the judges, contestants, live audience, and crew.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 26 July 2026
  • After a messy eight minutes, the remaining corn dog sticks and leftover food were tallied up for each contestant.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of contestant
Noun
  • The database entries do not list any citations or penalties on the inspection-detail pages.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
  • Better entry points often open up months after the IPO, when all the hype has died down.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 22 July 2026
Definition of entry

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darkens
dark horse
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Cite this Entry

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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