as in dark
being without light or without much light
wanting to surprise her, we waited in the darkened room for her to get home before calling out "happy birthday"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in frowned
to take on a gloomy or forbidding look
his face slowly darkened as we told him the sad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in obscured
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 marred
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
the scandal darkened his otherwise sterling reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darkened
Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Over the weekend, around 16,000 people paid their respects to the designer at his funeral chamber at the Armani Teatro designed by Tadao Ando, filled with white flowers and paper lanterns on the floor in a diagonal grid formation dimly lit up the darkened venue.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Beyond the frequent urination Wayans experienced, type 2 diabetes symptoms can include increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, frequent infections, tingling in the hands and feet, darkened patches on the skin and dry skin.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Residents fled as ash fell and smoke darkened the sky, many leaving with little notice as flames approached homes and neighborhoods.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Skies darkened around the same time over Lake Norman, with a light rain in Mooresville and a slight pickup in winds.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
None of the allegations that have since darkened the icon’s star are mentioned at all.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened and sticky, 2–3 minutes.
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and flour has darkened in color, 1 to 2 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, said it had been prepared to upgrade global growth, but the Iran war has now darkened the outlook for the world economy.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
—Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui posted a video to X over the weekend, showing a dazzling view of auroras spreading like a tall blanket over the darkened Earth below.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Over the weekend, around 16,000 people paid their respects to the designer at his funeral chamber at the Armani Teatro designed by Tadao Ando, filled with white flowers and paper lanterns on the floor in a diagonal grid formation dimly lit up the darkened venue.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, the American prospect darkened.
—Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
Beyond the frequent urination Wayans experienced, type 2 diabetes symptoms can include increased thirst and hunger, weight loss, frequent infections, tingling in the hands and feet, darkened patches on the skin and dry skin.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Residents fled as ash fell and smoke darkened the sky, many leaving with little notice as flames approached homes and neighborhoods.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Skies darkened around the same time over Lake Norman, with a light rain in Mooresville and a slight pickup in winds.
—Diamond Vences, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
None of the allegations that have since darkened the icon’s star are mentioned at all.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly darkened and sticky, 2–3 minutes.
—Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Sprinkle with flour; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and flour has darkened in color, 1 to 2 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
The managing director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, said it had been prepared to upgrade global growth, but the Iran war has now darkened the outlook for the world economy.
—ABC News, 10 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darkened
Adjective
-
But what exactly happens to these baby stars next isn't always clear (literally) because they are buried deep within clouds of dark, dusty gas that obscure them.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
-
All the bedrooms can be found upstairs, including one that’s currently being used as an office and a primary suite flaunting dual dressing rooms and baths, plus a sauna clad in dark gray stone.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As the odd man out, Meta does not have a public cloud, and its capex increase was frowned upon by investors.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
-
While Splitter remains a candidate for the full-time job, the franchise opened its search before the season ended, a practice that is frowned upon league-wide.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
As the sunlight faded on a cobblestone street, more than 200 students from New York University gathered at a table nearly as long as the city block.—
Susan Svrluga,
Washington Post,
6 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, the risks for ships and crew haven't faded.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
The report, issued on April 30, contains 14 recommendations, some of which were obscured from public view for security reasons.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
-
Like too many others of his time, Smith’s sheer greatness tends to be obscured, his legacy overlooked.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The entire proceedings have been marred by tragedy since the exhibition’s artistic director, Koyo Kouoh, died suddenly of liver cancer in early 2025, leaving her staff to complete the last year of work.—
Nate Freeman,
Vanity Fair,
5 May 2026
-
The Australian Jewish Association welcomed the report’s release but said it was marred by failing to address the form of antisemitic extremism said to have motivated the Bondi Beach shooters.—
Philissa Cramer,
Sun Sentinel,
4 May 2026
Adjective
-
Details about the underlying allegation remain murky, but the department sources familiar with the matter said the LAPD’s secretive Special Operations Division tailed officers who were under investigation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
-
He’s offered a murky definition of a ceasefire.—
Ben Finley,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Ramzan looked to her, pleading, but Sakeena’s eyes only stared into their reflection on the glass patio door.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
4 May 2026
-
The Nuggets stared into the eyes of a pack of Wolves, and blinked.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The mosque is blackened and burned, the minaret split in two.—
Kat Lonsdorf,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Add the unpeeled garlic and toast until blackened, about 5 minutes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darkened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darkened. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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