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
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Swalwell had held a slim lead in opinion polls over a crowded field of Democrats while Mahan, a darling of Silicon Valley, was languishing in the single digits.
—Eliyahu Kamisher, Bloomberg, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
The darling Swiss-dot design creates visual intrigue, while the flowy sleeves and skirt allow for ample freedom of movement.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
Arsenal enters the match as the favorite, but Sporting has been resilient in the Champions League, rebounding from a 3-0 loss to tournament darlings Bodo/Glimt with a 5-0 thrashing in Lisbon.
—Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2026
Swalwell had held a slim lead in opinion polls over a crowded field of Democrats while Mahan, a darling of Silicon Valley, was languishing in the single digits.
—Eliyahu Kamisher, Bloomberg, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
According to background information shared with press, the Aleutian Lady was equipped with cameras at the time of the incident, but it will not be shown on the show out of respect for his family and loved ones.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Prince Louis is one year older and still just as adorable.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The kid-amenity highlight for me was a ridiculously adorable teepee placed in our room with Thai jungle animals and flora painted on the interior.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
For a stay near the center of the action, book a room at the Lady Grace Inn, a Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast with a delightful English high tea.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Join MyRecipes—your personal home for recipes—to easily save and organize your favorites, plus thousands more, in one convenient place.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
21 Apr. 2026
-
As an adult, Harvest Snaps White Cheddar snap pea snacks have become one of my favorites.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
After the fatal crash, those who knew Lynnea and Luke, who were college sweethearts and small business owners, remembered the couple's legacy in their local community.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The attack occurred moments before she was slated to walk down the aisle to wed her childhood sweetheart — the climax of a revenge attack amid an ongoing feud.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In New York City, Kathy Griffin poses with her beloved dogs, and Nick Jonas keeps it casual in a leather jacket and hoodie.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Michael’s commercial reception may seem to show the futility of trying to litigate truth regarding someone as once-beloved as its subject.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Jane Goodall was a dear friend of mine.—
Ethan Millman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The body is not a source of strength or pleasure or play but a site from which to grab as much power as one can and hold on to it for dear life.—
Naomi Fry,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos' daughter Elliott posed for a sweet shot with her dad before heading off to prom on June 2, 2021.—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Use dark or bittersweet chocolate for a more intense, less sweet chocolaty finish.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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