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
Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
The essence of the inimitable country icon has been funneled into a darling new figurine, complete with a glittering orange bodysuit and bold blue eyeshadow.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024
Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Over the past 20 years of Black List darlings and Edgar Wright rip-offs, the American film industry has established a new archetype of cinema filled with quippy antiheroes, gory allegories for domestic strife, and character actors rattling off reference humor.
—Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
Your darling planetary ruler, Venus, is transiting the creative sign of Leo while shining a light on your 11th house of associations, community and sense of belonging in the world.
—Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 5 July 2024
The essence of the inimitable country icon has been funneled into a darling new figurine, complete with a glittering orange bodysuit and bold blue eyeshadow.
—Melissa Epifano, EW.com, 9 Mar. 2024
Noun
More Patrick McDermott/Getty Images The Packers, who had been the darlings of the national media last summer after coming within minutes of an NFC Championship Game appearance the previous season, lost in the wild-card round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Over the past 20 years of Black List darlings and Edgar Wright rip-offs, the American film industry has established a new archetype of cinema filled with quippy antiheroes, gory allegories for domestic strife, and character actors rattling off reference humor.
—Sam Bodrojan, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
In fact, those wages are so low that families must send their own money into prison to help support their loved one.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Charlie Kirk's murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
For many, Maru will remain a beloved gateway into the world of adorable, viral cat videos.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Minnie is totally adorable, and Goofy is just a big goof.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
From here on out, Belly’s experience in Paris becomes much more delightful.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The conversation — which delivered plenty of delightful outbursts from the over-the-top Tonioli — took a deep dive into a Season 7 emergency that sent Julianne Hough to the ER, and the memorable night protestors stormed the DWTS stage.—
Claire Franken,
TVLine,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The film started out as one of season’s hot favorites, garnering a near-record 13 nominations, including in the Best International Feature Film category.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Drugstore favorites include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk and CeraVe Hydrating Mineral.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Paul, the perennially viral, soft-swinging, sometimes problematic yet incredibly watchable mommy influencer turned reality star via Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is the next sweetheart looking for love on ABC’s 20-year-old dating show.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Volman was married to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Lee Hickey, for 25 years from 1967 to 1992.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Taking a stroll and admiring fall’s vibrant hues is a quintessential autumn activity — and according to The New York Times, Nashville is one of the best cities to soak in the reds, oranges, and yellows of the beloved season.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Sep. 2025
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After the building's beloved doorman, Lester (Teddy Coluca), is found dead in the courtyard's fountain, the group comes together once again to get to the bottom of the mystery.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
My dear friend Charlie Kirk was our country's relentless and courageous crusader for free speech.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
-
And now, another big change is coming to something William holds dear.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Your liver also plays the very sweet role of regulating your blood sugar levels by releasing glucose and storing glycogen when appropriate.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The scent is smoky yet sweet, spicy yet smooth, dark but with an underlying lightness—the result of combining clean white musk with rose, tobacco, suede, and cumin.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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