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
My perspective always seems a bit darker and less hopeful. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 9 July 2025 The duo stepped out in complementary dark ensembles, with Hayek wearing one of her favorite footwear looks — hefty platform heels — with a black velvet dress. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 July 2025
Noun
Lightning and rain resulted in a 75-minute delay, and two brief power outages lasting less than a minute each, turned Devon Park dark in the first inning. Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2025 Pioneer Denim featured Prism, a collection of nine colors that offer brands a wide range of dark to light shades. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Think musky candles, dim lighting, lo-fi jazz and smooth whiskey with a big cube.
    Kelly Rook Daly, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • University of Warwick/Mark Garlick Many of the stars in the Milky Way galaxy are small, dim red dwarfs—stars much smaller than the sun in both size and mass.
    Ritsuko Kawai, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • Leavitt held up the note to reporters, which appeared to have been written by Trump using his signature black Sharpie.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 30 June 2025
  • And, in addition to versatile black or white, the range now includes 12 total color options, including vibrant red, blue, and hot pink.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Some traders said the numbers were less severe than analysts' bleak forecasts.
    Sabrina Valle, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • No one is as funny and as bleak in the same sentence, or maybe even the same word.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Thus far, however, Tesla’s board has remained largely silent throughout Musk’s period of political activity.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 7 July 2025
  • Half of the speech is devoted to condemning slavery, its defenders and those who remain silent in its face.
    Frederic J. Fransen, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • These beers had previously been included within larger, more ambiguous lager categories for the Great American Beer Festival competition, but the Brewers Association says the uniqueness and growing popularity of these styles warrants individual guideline recognition.
    Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Tipping for other services may be more ambiguous and recommended as a dollar amount instead, like $10 per hour or $5 per bag carried or shuttle driven.
    Katie Kelton, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • Consequently, many of those enslaved in Texas remained ignorant of the proclamation’s potential impact on their lives, or of the fact the Civil War had functionally ended two months earlier.
    Timothy Welbeck, The Conversation, 16 June 2025
  • Careless or ignorant reporting has obscured objective reality.
    Nicholas DiMarzio, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • After an early tutorial sequence where players learn the ropes of controlling the powerful yet agile ape, the story introduces its antagonists: Void Company, an evil corporate mining operation hell-bent on creating a golden banana monopoly.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
  • They weren’t built by the government, but rather by those evil greedy private corporations and individuals who are guilty of the heinous crime of providing millions of Americans with places to live.
    The Editors, National Review, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Anthony’s homer headlined a night of wild firsts for the Red Sox.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025
  • Chicago Sky star Angel Reese added to the chorus of complaints about WNBA officials following the team’s 80-75 loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday night.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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