DARK HORSE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

dark horse

noun

Definition of dark horse

as in stalking horse

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in long shot

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

sure thing

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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for dark horse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse

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

There’s a path for the Leafs to be decent short-term, but a Stanley Cup run over the next few years feels like a long shot, especially since their best players have underwhelming playoff track records.

— Harman Dayal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of long shot

Noun

Shields, undefeated at 18-0, is the heavy favorite despite being the challenger against Scott (5-1-1), who secured her belts last December.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The leader of anti-immigration party Reform UK is running in an election as the incumbent favorite, and his main opponent is a man dressed as a garbage can.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Some investors, though, expressed skepticism on a conference call Monday that Specs will break through in a crowded industry where some of the company’s competitors, like Meta, have a lot more resources.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2026
Past research has shown that new closers have superior velocity and strikeout rate than their competitors, but unfortunately those metrics are in flux for Smith and Winn.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 4 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

Now, is using paper towels a little lackluster compared with last year’s Abbott Elementary crossover challenge, where the contestants had to use school supplies?

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
But four contestants representing Florida, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Oregon interviewed by USA TODAY the week before the competition appeared overwhelmingly excited, if a little nervous, to convene in Ohio for the games.

— Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

But analysts see the slide as an attractive entry point for investors, highlighting the company's scalable licensing model and the potential for licensees to benefit from the next wave of data center growth.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Every current season ticket holder will be automatically entered into a random drawing for the promotion, with every season ticket counting as an entry.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of entry

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darkens

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Style

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of dark horse

noun

Example Sentences

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