dark 1 of 2

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as in black
not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable dark deeds that resulted in the Russian czar being known to history as Ivan the Terrible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dark

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dark different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can ambiguous take the place of dark?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When might cryptic be a better fit than dark?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When could enigmatic be used to replace dark?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of dark?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than dark?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When would vague be a good substitute for dark?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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
Adjective
Opening April 8, 2026 A blind date spirals spectacularly off the rails in Becky Shaw, the razor-sharp dark comedy from two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Gina Gionfriddo. Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 June 2025 Ortega's short nails were painted a very on-brand dark cherry red in a similar shade as her soft ombré lined lip; her lips were lined with a warm dark brick shade and a light rose color inside. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 June 2025
Noun
With his supernatural expertise, Harry must navigate Chicago’s dark underbelly to stop the killer before more victims are claimed, all while dealing with the dangerous creatures and forces that lurk in the shadows. Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 Kevin wore a pretty classic dark wash denim on denim look with his wife and daughter in the city. Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Travis Decker description Police described Travis Decker as a white man with black hair and brown eyes, standing 5'8'', and weighing 190 pounds.
    Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • Hudson’s Newport Beach TV Festival look follows a recent trend of celebrities putting their own respective spin on the little black dress.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • The somewhat bleak outlook was laid bare Tuesday night after the USMNT was thrashed 4-0 by Switzerland during a friendly in Nashville.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
  • Instead of learning from this bleak recent history, Americans are now painfully absorbing this lesson by repeating it.
    Jonathan Haskel, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2025
Adjective
  • While Sanabria Tarazona’s family has remained silent out of fear Prieto has publicly denounced his detention and urged U.S. authorities to reconsider.
    Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • But most Republicans remained silent, or accused Padilla of being a provocateur.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Without a clear roadmap, friendship breakups often feel ambiguous, or sometimes lead to unnecessary hurt.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The Food and Drug Administration’s April 22 news release contains some ambiguous language.
    Andrea Ruth, The Washington Examiner, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • Simone, still at the hospital, remains blissfully ignorant of Kiki’s vengeful turn.
    Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Conservative media, once a proud home to voices like Charles Krauthammer, Jonah Goldberg, and Bill Kristol, now platforms ignorant Trump sycophants who have no use for conservative principles — or principles of any kind.
    S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • While Disney hasn’t revealed Starfighter’s plot, THR adds that the film revolves around Gosling’s character protecting a young charge against evil pursuers, one of whom is Goth.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 June 2025
  • These dedicated warriors certainly earn our admiration in the good/evil binary of the conflict, but complications help give the documentary shape, as in the attention given a crusty logger named Valdir, who agreed to be featured on camera.
    Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Business owners also regularly complain about the throngs of people who use drugs day and night in the park.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • Those looking to become sober can text an AA volunteer any time day or night and receive support from a member of the AA team of recovering alcoholics.
    Linda Mcintosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Since President Donald Trump took office, at least half of the security council's staff have been laid off or left, and the future of BARDA is murky.
    Amy Maxmen, ABC News, 6 June 2025
  • But whether federal or state politicians could foil a Trump settlement is murky.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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