darkling

adjective

Definition of darklingnext
as in darkened
being without light or without much light the darkling valleys of Transylvania, where tales of vampires have long existed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 darkling Its 19th-century spire lit up like a matchstick against the darkling sky, its tip cracking and plunging through the ceiling. — Michael Kimmelman, New York Times, 6 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darkling
  1. darkened
  2. dark
  3. murky
Adjective
  • Around them stand darkened houses, and uncollected trash piles up on the street.
    — Will Freeman, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026
  • This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • The refreshing under-eye treatments are formulated to smooth, firm, and brighten crow’s feet and dark circles.
    — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The helmet uses a carbon-fiber shell to help control weight and comes supplied with clear and dark visors, as well as a Pinlock anti-fog insert.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • But the meteoric takeoff of karaoke has soared far past its humble—and slightly murky—origins.
    — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But the distinction between physical and mental phenomena becomes murky in disembodied entities like language models.
    — Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of murky

Browse Nearby Words

dark lanterns
darkling
darkly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Darkling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darkling. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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