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 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

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

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

All while the other competitor in the arena, Matt Kuchar, stood and waited, with the biggest round of his life on the line.

— Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
With ruthless competitors who will stop at nothing to dethrone and destroy them, the Whitlocks are a blue-collar dynasty at the edge of extinction – and the old king is fighting to hold onto the crown.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 July 2026

Definition of competitor

Noun

He was named crown prince in the late 1970s and gradually broadened his duties to include planning for Qatar’s vast oil and gas reserves.

— Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Marius Borg Hoiby, the stepson of Norway's crown prince, has been sentenced after being convicted of rape and domestic violence, in a case that has blemished his family's image.

— Gwladys Fouche, USA Today, 15 June 2026

Definition of crown prince

Noun

There was no other contestant other than Burnham, who comfortably surpassed that threshold.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
After her win, BeBe remained a television personality, appearing on several episodes of RuPaul’s Drag U and as a surprise contestant on season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2018.

— Francesca Gariano, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

Beaches Without the Hard Sell The beaches are still the obvious entry point.

— Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
On Wednesday, the Regents will discuss the history and purpose of the A-G course requirements that high school students must complete to be eligible for entry to the UC system.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of entry

Browse Nearby Words

darkens

dark horse

dark horses

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Style

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of dark horse

noun

Example Sentences

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