darkness

Definition of darknessnext
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as in night
the time from sunset to sunrise when there is no visible sunlight let's wait for darkness before telling ghost stories

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in cloud
an overspreading element that produces an atmosphere of gloom the darkness of that period of my life is best forgotten

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 darkness It was once believed to be completely lifeless due to crushing pressure, darkness, and freezing temperatures. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 That won't work — the moon will rise in darkness. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 28 May 2026 Fear is such a human experience, and there’s so much light to be found in the darkness. Sarah Batcha, Oc Register, 28 May 2026 Constant darkness disrupts time perception and the body’s circadian rhythms. ABC News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for darkness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darkness
Noun
  • The desert city has long been known for spiritual retreats, vortex hikes, and restorative getaways, but more visitors are now flocking there after dark.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
  • Geomagnetic conditions could remain unsettled this evening, giving stargazers another chance if solar-wind conditions line up after dark.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
Noun
  • While all three negatively impact both individual and organizational outcomes, researchers found that role ambiguity tended to be the most detrimental driver.
    Paula Davis, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • At the same time, each phase of progress has also revealed the ambiguity of tools that can cause harm when not oriented toward the good.
    Pope Leo XIV, Boston Herald, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Vegas played much of the night without center William Karlsson, who was being checked out on the bench for an apparent upper-body injury.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • The episode, which introduces the central friend group and reveals Paul Baker’s (Jack Innanen) origin story, was screened as a surprise on Thursday night at the Tribeca Festival in New York.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • By Tuesday morning, crews reported the blaze was 20% contained after cooler weather and clouds gave crews the upper hand in fighting the flames.
    Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026
  • The expectant father, who shot a makeshift target that exploded into a blue cloud, igniting the surrounding brush, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of US Forest Service regulations and was ordered to pay restitution for the damages.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Recreational facilities like Parque Río Cristal, Coney Island in Miramar and Lenin Park, which once offered leisure opportunities for ordinary Cubans, have become shadows of their former selves.
    Sarah Moreno June 5, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026
  • The show had shadows everywhere.
    Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 6 June 2026
Noun
  • That intrigue and mysteriousness still rest in the canyon walls today.
    Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The greatest loss, as microdemographics turn away from and against one another and a grim pall descends over public life, might be that of late night as a venue to forget our differences (or at least laugh about them) long enough to have fun together, like a functional society.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026
  • Casting a pall over the nuptials, Harry Beaton (Spencer Davis Milford), hopelessly in love with Jean, threatens to destroy Brigadoon’s miracle by leaving the town for good.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2026
Noun
  • From individual missions to tours aboard the ISS, video games have featured surprisingly often in the inky blackness of space.
    William Worrall, Space.com, 30 May 2026
  • Lighting the mood Production design includes dramatic lighting effects, intensely bright (oof, that spotlight) to sudden pitch-blackness.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Darkness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darkness. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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