1
as in to frown
to take on a gloomy or forbidding look
his face slowly darkened as we told him the sad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct
years of accumulated grime have darkened the painting until it can barely be seen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to mar
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
the scandal darkened his otherwise sterling reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 darken
The film has also helped resuscitate a dwindling population of ticket-goers hoping for a feel-good escape-hatch picture in the midst of darkening times and popcorn machines.
—
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
The image below shows the SLS freeing itself of Earth, hauling the Artemis 2 mission to the darkening skies above Florida.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Its flowers bloomed white in the spring, and its green summer leaves darkened to a reddish-purple hue in the fall.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
This linen-blend pinch pleated option is light-filtering—in other words, not as dense as room-darkening curtains or blackout designs—and available in 38 colors, with curtain rings and rods sold separately.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darken
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 8 Apr. 2026
The image below shows the SLS freeing itself of Earth, hauling the Artemis 2 mission to the darkening skies above Florida.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026
Its flowers bloomed white in the spring, and its green summer leaves darkened to a reddish-purple hue in the fall.
—John Tufts, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
This linen-blend pinch pleated option is light-filtering—in other words, not as dense as room-darkening curtains or blackout designs—and available in 38 colors, with curtain rings and rods sold separately.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darken
Verb
-
Often vital when visiting Disneyland, smartphones are largely permitted, but even they are frowned upon on many attractions.—
Carly Caramanna,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Meanwhile, loud prints and bright colors are frowned upon — something tournament organizers addressed with Jason Day in 2024.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The kind that organizations get judged on long after the applause fades.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Shapiro-Ikenberry led through most of the first half of the race before fading to seventh.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Maritime tracking isn't foolproof, as ships can spoof or manipulate tracking systems to obscure their origin, destination and cargo.—
Steve Beynon,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
At the same time, Iran has become adapt at using chains of digital wallets to obscure crypto funds tied to the regime.—
Ben Weiss,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But her career has been marred by high-profile incidents — including being photographed in 2007 with a freshly shaven head hitting a car with an umbrella.—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Sunday’s vote was marred by delays in distributing electoral materials in several districts of Lima, forcing authorities to extend voting into Monday.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Two pairs of staring eyes, in intimate contact.—
John McPhee,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Since the discovery of the bacterial flagellar motor in the 1970s, biologists and creationists alike have marveled at its design like medieval architects staring with awe at the dome of the Pantheon built by their Roman ancestors.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The park is open from daylight to dusk for visitors and 24/7 for campers.—
Isa Almeida,
Oklahoman,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Its hours are from dawn to dusk every day of the year.—
Cathy Kozlowicz,
jsonline.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Its Silk Serum Tinted Moisturizer Foundation is weightless and blurring, according to an editor.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to breaking news reports, these channels often broadcast shows devoted to commentary, especially regarding politics, as well as longer specials or documentaries, some of which blur the lines between entertainment or advocacy and journalism.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Without spoiling anything, the musical’s new ending resembles the vague finale of the novel.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
This sprout is the early stage of a new garlic plant forming inside the clove, not a sign that your garlic has spoiled.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darken. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
