1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
they poured gifts and affection on their darling child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved
a darling child that any couple would want to adopt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delightful
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
what a darling set of dishes!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
for a while that candidate was the darling of the news media and could do no wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweetheart
a person with whom one is in love
anything you say, darling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darling
Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Who wouldn’t buy anything O’Connor, with his darling secret smile, tells them?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 3 Dec. 2025
Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Atlanta emerged as the darling of the data center industry after the artificial intelligence boom began three years ago, according to data from real estate services firm CBRE.
—Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
The polished blouse is crafted from mulberry silk and spandex for a hint of stretch and has a darling tie-neck sash for extra flair.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Who wouldn’t buy anything O’Connor, with his darling secret smile, tells them?
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 3 Dec. 2025
Noun
Houston rap darling Monaleo has also become a fan of Bunna’s, and a source of friendly advice.
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2026
Atlanta emerged as the darling of the data center industry after the artificial intelligence boom began three years ago, according to data from real estate services firm CBRE.
—Drew Kann, AJC.com, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Take care of yourselves and one another, reach out to friends and loved ones, and check in on your neighbors.—
Mamie Bah,
CBS News,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Her loved ones, including her husband Jim, encouraged Buffone to make a business out of selling her bread and other baked goods.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Brook, meanwhile, is just a stylish and musically gifted member of a similarly musically inclined pirate crew who loves singing a sea shanty to an adorable little whale.—
Rafael Motamayor,
Vulture,
12 Mar. 2026
-
These adorable dish towels are perfect for the holiday, sporting shades of green and a few cute slogans to get you in the spirit.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
In the 68th minute, Liel Abada showed delightful control on a ball floated into the box, putting it on a tee for Pep Biel to convert, putting Charlotte FC ahead to stay.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Childhood photos of both Roberts, found in some guest rooms, are delightful Easter eggs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Trump carried the district by a wide margin in the 2024 presidential election, making the GOP the heavy favorite to retain the seat.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Fortner, 27, will be considered the favorite for the starting center job entering the remainder of the offseason.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ocean Springs, Mississippi Even the name of this Magnolia State sweetheart alludes to the type of idyllic experience that awaits visitors.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Small-town hairdresser Gail Daughtry is engaged to her devoted high school sweetheart, Tom.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
But the fact that employees still showed up, including without pay during last year’s federal government shutdown, demonstrates their commitment to keeping the beloved parks flourishing.—
Jack Dolan,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
-
Sitting in the audience, Styles' mere presence repeatedly distracted the actor as the camera kept panning away from him for the beloved pop-rock star.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Unfortunately for both the president himself and his acolytes who bought into the coin, though, it’s been on a downward trajectory that mirrors their dear leader’s approval ratings ever since.—
Frank Landymore,
Futurism,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Not in 35 or so years of being dear friends.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
This sweet, 3-year-old calico was found as a stray during a snowstorm and has been all about warm hearts ever since.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Mar. 2026
-
End the tour with the sweet saltiness of fudge of a Findlay Market cookie.—
Caroline Ritzie,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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