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
Harry, meanwhile, channeled the country theme of the show by wearing his cowboy hat with dark jeans and a gray shirt over a black top. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 May 2025 Infected roots turn unnaturally dark and mushy, or even weep. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Noun
In my tests, that translated to offering good color accuracy, contrast, and a sense of three-dimensionality in scenes across the range from dark to mid-tones to bright. PCMAG, 24 Mar. 2025 The lights and darks come preloaded with the drama of film noir, and stoke the mythology of Caravaggio as thuggish prodigy. Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Both sizes are available in all black, and the large 45mm model also comes in silver with a white band, while the smaller 41mm Venu 3S gives you the choice of four additional color combinations: soft gold with an ivory, french gray, or dust rose band, or silver with a sage gray band.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
  • Heavy black smoke in the kitchen at the rear of the unoccupied residence was discovered by firefighters upon arrival.
    Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • The latest Email Threat Trends Report from VIPRE paints a bleak picture.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Related article Putin just called Trump’s bluff on Ukraine, with the Russian art of the ‘no’ deal Ukraine in 2025 is a bleak prospect.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Their work resists gentrification's silent displacement and instead champions intentional design, historical reverence, and generational empowerment.
    Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • While critical thinking is invaluable, the tendency to fixate on ambiguous data points—many of which pertain to uncontrollable external factors—can lead to unnecessary stress.
    Davide Sartini, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The two were previously involved in a morally ambiguous mission gone wrong, which led to Vincent murdering an undercover cop.
    Skyler Trepel, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Problematic to be sure, but also a very in-character move for an ignorant buffoon.
    Ben Rosenstock, Time, 6 May 2025
  • But here's a reminder for us: casual cruelty, performed by ignorant fascists.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 May 2025
Adjective
  • Will the company itself go rogue and opt to use AGI for evil deeds?
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025
  • Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • With her close ally and Nicole's father gone, June stares unbelievably into the night sky.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 May 2025
  • There were silent Sunday night dinners at restaurants and essentially no contact with any extended relatives.
    Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • Its origins are as murky as the exact proportions of the recipe.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
  • That’s why the outlook for companies like Nvidia — even after recent positive news on chip export controls — remains murky.
    Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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