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
This Georgia Rain style has a dark brown finish with distressing and burnishing for an antique appearance. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 Editor’s tip: Niacinamide is a multitasker that blurs the look of dark spots, evens your skin tone, and balances your complexion. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
For us, the best option was renting a car for transportation to and from the airport but hunkering down at the lodge after dark for the most rewarding and stress-free experience. Sophie Mendel, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025 Reflective strips Not all waterproof dog raincoats have reflective strips, but many dog raincoats do have reflective strips, which offer additional visibility on overcast days and after dark. Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • This Trevisani has a bushy black mustache, an olive complexion, and a broad forehead.
    Domenico Starnone, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Belair seems to have subtly leaned into her unprecedented turn by wearing black during recent shows.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The observations from Drewry’s and Moody’s, as well as the scenario floated by McCown, follow a bleak outlook for the middle of May out of the biggest port in the U.S.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Complicating matters further is a bleak hydrological outlook.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Even more telling, there was virtually no difference in data consumption, battery use, and background activity between the audio room tests and the silent room tests.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The trick now is knowing where to go and which Muay Thai boxing schools, silent monasteries, or health spas to choose.
    Lee Cobaj, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the scene itself could be read as a little ambiguous, too: is Sammie trying to pierce the veil again, playing a song that could both foster community but also bring back the vampires?
    Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
  • As the days turned into weeks, the reality of her situation remained ambiguous.
    Ashley Vega, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This situation would be a comedy of errors if not for its ending in tragedy: Andy is ignorant of Sherry’s affections, Sherry has no notion of Crawford’s intentions, and Crawford could not care less about either of them.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Some sellers, who may only own a home for a few years, may be ignorant of its past.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • While the practice of using haint blue to ward off evil spirits might not be as common, the color has bled into the mainstream, with major paint companies like Sherwin-Williams and PPG Industries, Inc selling paint inspired by the shade.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The royal palace is infested with evil spirits and one of them has taken hold of the young prince.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His coffin was officially sealed on Friday night in a liturgical rite led by the Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell, the acting head of the church.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Daboll was asked about that report on Friday night.
    Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • But the picture of the future is still murky amid economic uncertainty.
    Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The two friends straight-lined it down the hill, crossing the freezing murky puddle.
    Anna Fiorentino, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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