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 Rahm has been the quiet dark horse in all of this, and his comments to the BBC on Tuesday only add to his strategic position. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 Bo Nix is also back healthy for a Broncos team that looks improved on paper, and Joe Burrow has returned to lead Cincinnati, a popular dark horse pick in the AFC. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 Canales’ acknowledgement of Reed’s ability to play all three wide receiver positions is probably the best endorsement a dark horse can receive during the first week of camp. — Mike Kaye august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 Daniel Jones is also noted as a dark horse for this significant award. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark horse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse

Noun

The filing also mentions a stalking horse bidder that may be connected to camp families and alumnae, though the identity and purchase price were not yet disclosed.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of stalking horse

Noun

While a College Football Playoff berth might be a long shot, Sumrall isn’t ready to rule out the possibilities.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
But Harvie, a former high school social studies teacher and county commissioner, is still a long shot to win.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of long shot

Noun

Steve Spurrier was coming home; the favorite son, the Heisman Trophy winner, the coach who was about to change Florida football forever.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of favorite son

Noun

The sides were also spectacular and included a smattering of traditional favorites like creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
All Meddys restaurants follow the same general aesthetic and offer typical menu favorites, like falafel, shawarma, succulent chicken and a hummus plate.

— Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Trump and his family members have accepted a jetliner from the emir of Qatar, a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the Saudi crown prince, and profits from a number of cryptocurrency enterprises, much of which came from foreign buyers.

— Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026
As love, lust and regret take hold of the court, Heinrey (Lee Jong-suk), the charming crown prince of the Western Kingdom, turns his eye to Navier.

— Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of crown prince

Noun

Lo wore both of them as a contestant on Top Chef, in an homage to his dad.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Nov. 2026
Danielle Fishel, the former Dancing With The Stars contestant who got booted from the show last year, says female competitors generally have a tougher time winning over judges than male dancers.

— Greg Evans, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

For Harriet, who until then led a life far removed from high society, her official entry into one of the world’s most famous royal families inevitably brought about some big changes.

— Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 4 Nov. 2026
Her entry into the race followed a major redrawing of South Florida's congressional districts.

— Sergio Candido, CBS News, 4 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of dark horse

noun

Example Sentences

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