darling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of darlingnext
1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention they poured gifts and affection on their darling child

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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!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

darling

2 of 2

noun

ˈdär-liŋ How to pronounce darling (audio)
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

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 darling
Adjective
This floral number was just worn by Bella Hadid and is so darling for summer. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 19 July 2026 Take a look at the rest of our picks for more darling dresses for summer, all from Amazon. — Dena Ogden, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
Noun
But Netflix’s top leaders now face mounting pressure as the company has lost its status as a Wall Street darling and a Hollywood star. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026 The Swedish darling of pop has been on set all day and has just returned to her Los Angeles hotel room. — Remy Rippon, Glamour, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
  1. loved
  2. adorable
  3. delightful
  4. favorite
  5. sweetheart
  6. beloved
  7. dear
  8. sweet
Adjective
  • DJs take over late on Fridays and Saturdays, while Sundays belong to samba and feijoada meals, honoring the local tradition of gathering with loved ones on weekends to enjoy the black bean and meat stew.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Impact on jobs Along with the financial toll that often accompanies looking after a loved one, caregivers may also experience an impact on their jobs or income.
    — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • The monkeys are adorable from a distance and mischievous up close.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Simultaneously, Fumiko and Emi cross paths at the library, where the revelation that the family at least tangentially responsible for her son’s death now have an adorable little sprog of their own, threatens to send Emi into an emotional tailspin.
    — James Marsh, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • The orange zest added into the frosting adds a bit of brightness that punches up this delightful dessert.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Together the duo enjoy scaring themselves into a teeth-chattering but delightful evening.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of delightful
Noun
  • The sides were also spectacular and included a smattering of traditional favorites like creamed spinach and truffle mac and cheese.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026
  • All Meddys restaurants follow the same general aesthetic and offer typical menu favorites, like falafel, shawarma, succulent chicken and a hummus plate.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • Goebbels interviewed Wessel’s grieving mother and wrote of Jaenichen and Wessel as childhood sweethearts, as though their story was from romance fiction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Gregory's mother-in-law told The Telegraph the couple were school sweethearts who had been together for over 20 years.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • But many of us have buried our beloved pets in our yards beneath new trees as an alternative to cremation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For this year’s show at Compton Verney, Cadogan has taken inspiration from British people who’ve written to her about losing beloved trees in their own gardens, or public spaces.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • Ian McKellen is saying goodbye to his dear friend Patrick Stewart.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The attack ads that exaggerate and lie about their opponents, without mentioning their myopic support for their dear leader whose baggage has destroyed America’s standing in the world, are astounding.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Soft, sweet and dusted with sugar, pan de muerto, the bread of the dead, is a traditional Mexican bread made for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
    — Daniela Cintron, AJC.com, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Related Earlier this month, the group’s label, HYBE x Geffen, stated that Laforteza would return to the stage in January, which would be sweet timing for the Asia run.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweet

Browse Nearby Words

darksome
darling
darlingness
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Cite this Entry

“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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