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
Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
The 100 percent-cotton flannel material delivers superior softness, breathability, and warmth, while the darling floral pattern is perfect for the spring or those who want to give their bedroom timeless charm.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 June 2026
The Mean Green were a loss in their conference championship game away from making it to the College Football Playoff last season, and many are viewing the Cowboys as CFP darlings this year, due in no small part to both Mestemaker and Morris making the trip north on I-35.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
From the curb, 170 Benvenue is a darling Cape with four perfect little dormers peeking out of its roof, just below a stone chimney.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 20 Mar. 2026
The 100 percent-cotton flannel material delivers superior softness, breathability, and warmth, while the darling floral pattern is perfect for the spring or those who want to give their bedroom timeless charm.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
There's a big rotation happening in the market on Thursday, with investors selling their AI darlings and moving into groups that have been left behind this year.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 June 2026
The Mean Green were a loss in their conference championship game away from making it to the College Football Playoff last season, and many are viewing the Cowboys as CFP darlings this year, due in no small part to both Mestemaker and Morris making the trip north on I-35.
—Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
The collection of autobiographical monologues explores the hardships and unexpected humor of caring for loved ones across every stage of life.—
Point Loma-Ob Monthly,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 June 2026
-
Hooks said the agency's hearts are with the teen's family and loved ones during their difficult time.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Baggy jeans, easy dresses, and flattering shorts are all up for grabs, plus durable (and adorable) accessories from $24.—
Olivia Cigliano,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
-
Saodimallsu Puff Short-sleeve Cardigan This undeniably adorable puff-sleeve cardigan impressively channels Anthropologie's hard-to-achieve vintage-meets-feminine-meets-modern vibe, but for only $34.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
All three are delightful, but in completely different ways.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
14 June 2026
-
Two differing criminal factions want a load of cocaine, but when a poor farmer named Kaalayan (Guru Somasundaram) gets wind of it, his life briefly entangles with the crime bosses, resulting in a bloody final showdown and a delightful twist ending.—
Eric Farwell,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
El Farolito Taqueria is up there with one of our favorites.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
-
One of my favorites is Suzuki Beane (1961) written by Sandra Scoppettone and illustrated by Louise Fitzhugh, a parody of Eloise at the Plaza Hotel.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
Cody and his wife Rebecca, high-school sweethearts, shared their first date at a Waylon Jennings-Jessi Colter concert in Louisville and were married in 1980.—
Stephen L. Betts,
Rolling Stone,
9 June 2026
-
The Knicks shooting guard proposed to his childhood sweetheart in December 2020.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
The world first fell in love with her as a contestant in the RuPaul’s Drag Race multiverse, where her razor-sharp charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent turned her into one of the franchise’s most beloved queens.—
Todd Plummer,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Inspired by the original trilogy books by Robert Ludlum, the beloved franchise takes Damon's character all over the world on dangerous missions, running into enemies and the occasional ally as his past in espionage repeatedly catches up with him.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Honoring Catalonia’s Christian traditions Earlier Wednesday, Leo celebrated the centuries-old Catalan tradition of popular piety by praying at Montserrat, a mountain complex outside the city that is dear to many Catalans.—
Joseph Wilson,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
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Leo celebrated their centuries-old tradition of popular piety by praying at Montserrat, a mountain complex outside the city that is dear to many Catalans.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Beautifully balanced with savory, sweet, salty and subtly-spicy flavor, these pecans are a hit by the handful or sprinkled on top of leafy green masterpieces like Copycat Panera Strawberry Poppy Seed Salad or Kale and Roasted Beet Salad with Hot Honey Vinaigrette.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 June 2026
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Alaskan Snow Crab Roll At JING Scottsdale, sweet Alaskan snow crab and delicate kanikama are wrapped in silky soy paper, then finished with warm ponzu butter that adds layers of bright citrus, savory umami, and rich depth to every bite.—
Aly Walansky,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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