dark horse

Definition of dark horsenext

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 Brennan could be a dark horse candidate in the Democratic primary, given his ties to Conroy. Molly Beck, jsonline.com, 11 Dec. 2025 Lionsgate is going with a smart awards strategy in hopes of becoming a dark horse Oscar contender. Clayton Davis, Variety, 15 Nov. 2025 The race for electric aircraft supremacy is moving full-speed ahead, and a dark horse could emerge as one of the frontrunners. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025 Looking for a Group of 5 dark horse outside of the American? Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark horse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse
Noun
  • After the buildings were put into bankruptcy last year, Summit offered to buy dozens of buildings in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Queens in the form of a stalking horse bid, meaning the transaction is subject to potentially better offers at auction.
    Jonathan Randles, Bloomberg, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The stalking horse bid is subject to better offers should any materialize in the coming weeks.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Initially viewed as a long shot bid, Jackson placed third among the Democratic contenders, boosting his visibility and influence in the party, and enduring media attention.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026
  • But getting there felt like a long shot.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The 120-room property was previously inhabited by Queen Victoria’s favorite son, Arthur, as well as the Royal Army Chaplains.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The late Queen’s favorite son is now styled as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The all-year-round surf scene here is so attractive that it’s even famed for being a regular favorite of Morocco’s royal heirs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Still, a flurry of moves during the summer window made LAFC among the obvious favorites to compete for the league championship, primarily because Son’s influence made Cherundolo’s defend-and-transition tactics lethal.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Other competitors like Surge AI, Handshake and Micro1 have helped mint a new class of young, ultra-wealthy tech founders.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Two Fort Worth All Saints competitors came home with Gold in their respective weight classes.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Historical figures such as Vietnam’s crown prince Bảo Long, Empress Nam Phương, and Emperor Khải Định of the Nguyễn dynasty, a period marked by a rich cultural intersection between Vietnam and the Western world, are a nod to the brand’s own ambitions.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Supporters of Pahlavi were particularly vocal in Mashhad this month, as attested by the prevalence of pro-monarchy graffiti on city walls, and the regime’s propaganda devoted particular attention to discrediting the former crown prince.
    Davood Moradian, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Then Jennings turned to the contestant to Betts’ right, Isaac Hirsch — who was wrong and did indeed bet everything, sending him to zero.
    Claire McNear, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2026
  • For the Quick Draw Contest, contestants must sketch their artwork in 50 minutes.
    Claire Partain, Houston Chronicle, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • When creating the outfits for the first 2001 Bridget Jones cast, Fleming sought to give Jones — whose diary entries detailed her romantic adventures, weight, and alcohol and cigarette consumption — a pragmatic, somewhat disheveled look that would feel relatable to busy women.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Weave has ditched the traditional mobile robot design in favor of a stationary structure, aiming to create a safer, more reliable entry point for home robotics.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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