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
Tori Crowther, Allure, 27 May 2026
But as soon as the Lumière Theatre darkened and the movie began to play, Driver slipped out of his seat.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 19 May 2026
The other is darkened by fuel scarcity and rising prices that threaten a humanitarian crisis.
—Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
The shades were drawn and curtains closed in Jane’s room, and the door was opened only after the hallway was darkened.
—Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
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
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
For her role as Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 film about the late singer, her arches were darkened and defined.
—Tori Crowther, Allure, 27 May 2026
But as soon as the Lumière Theatre darkened and the movie began to play, Driver slipped out of his seat.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 19 May 2026
The other is darkened by fuel scarcity and rising prices that threaten a humanitarian crisis.
—Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
The shades were drawn and curtains closed in Jane’s room, and the door was opened only after the hallway was darkened.
—Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darkened
Adjective
-
If the second section presents the diagnosis, then in the footnote to Howl Ginsberg writes a prescription, because if we’re oppressed by a dark faith then the only antidote is a different one.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
-
Villains could hide in the giant banyan tree or lurk in the spookily dark new flotation room; a fight scene might involve someone crashing down the waterfall-wall in the centre of the wellness centre.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
In a pre-AI world, companies would’ve frowned upon allowing clients to bypass the online front door to their services.—
Hugh Son,
CNBC,
3 June 2026
-
On Saturday, Hill defended Carter after former Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes explained why publicly targeting a teammate is frowned upon inside an NFL locker room.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Any concerns about his health faded as the game wore on.—
Alejandro Avila,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
As public commemoration faded in Hong Kong, overseas communities were carrying the torch to keep memories alive by hosting vigils and rallies in places like London and Canada.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The fields and farmlands behind the house, as far as the eye could see, were obscured entirely.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
This was done the day before weather predictions called for overcast conditions with the sun obscured.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The case has been marred by controversy, racial tension and threats, while drawing national attention, particularly on social media.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
Now adults, after a childhood marred with tragedy, Guin flogs a memoir only tangentially related to the truth, and Ennis stages a new art exhibit, despite what happened at the last one.—
Emily Temple,
Literary Hub,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
The impact on stocks is murkier.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
-
Every couple of years, the water turns murky, regardless, and the whole tank has to be drained and refilled, explains Polojärvi.—
Deena Theresa,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
Everyone stared in silence at the man’s rudeness.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
28 May 2026
-
The two stared each other down with security guards in between them.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Inside, boards blackened by smoke and sweat, the air sweet with cane and forgetting.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Sepsis had left his skin peeling and his body blackened, including parts of his fingers, ears, lips and lower legs.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darkened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darkened. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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