Synonyms of darling

darling 1 of 2

adjective

1

as in loved

granted special treatment or attention

they poured gifts and affection on their darling child

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loved
• beloved
• cherished
• precious
• favorite
• sweet
• dear
• special
• adored
• favored
• pet
• fair-haired
• fond
• white-headed
• admired
• appreciated
• revered
• esteemed
• treasured
• preferred
• prized
• relished

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• despised
• disliked
• hated
• ignored
• detested
• loathed
• abhorred
• forgotten
• unbeloved
• disfavored
• abandoned
• disdained
• alienated
• unfavorite
• abominated
• execrated
• estranged

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

• adorable
• dear
• sweet
• precious
• loved
• lovely
• beautiful
• lovable
• charming
• endearing
• beloved
• winning
• cherished
• attractive
• enchanting
• favorite
• winsome
• delightful
• lovesome
• treasured
• desirable
• favored
• disarming
• cheerful
• fascinating
• admirable
• alluring
• appealing
• kissable
• nice
• embraceable
• kind
• pleasant
• gracious
• reputable
• engaging
• likable
• friendly
• pleasing
• entrancing
• captivating
• respectable
• affable
• agreeable
• fetching
• good-natured
• genial
• cordial
• good-tempered
• well-disposed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• odious
• loathsome
• abominable
• hateful
• detestable
• abhorrent
• horrible
• wretched
• unpleasant
• offensive
• disagreeable
• unloved
• disgusting
• contemptible
• ugly
• nasty
• lousy
• hideous
• heinous
• monstrous
• distasteful
• grotesque
• frightful
• unlovable
• repulsive
• repugnant
• awful
• vile
• unattractive
• dreadful
• repellent
• obnoxious
• scandalous
• appalling
• horrid
• shocking
• unsightly
• obscene
• revolting
• unlikable
• sickening
• foul
• ill-favored
• horrendous
• ogreish
• nauseating
• noisome

3

as in delightful

giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses

what a darling set of dishes!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delightful
• sweet
• delicious
• pleasant
• nice
• enjoyable
• pleasing
• good
• welcome
• heavenly
• satisfying
• pretty
• dreamy
• jolly
• tempting
• grateful
• delectable
• soothing
• luscious
• blessed
• comforting
• pleasurable
• tasty
• amusing
• charming
• comfortable
• happy
• felicitous
• agreeable
• gratifying
• congenial
• savory
• attractive
• desirable
• fascinating
• palatable
• dulcet
• delightsome
• blissful
• alluring
• enchanting
• cheerful
• enviable
• entertaining
• inviting
• gracious
• cheery
• amiable
• calming
• joyous
• kindly
• glad
• hospitable
• goodly
• affable
• relishable
• ecstatic
• genial
• personable
• rapturous
• good-natured
• exhilarating
• euphoric
• felicific
• recreative
• intoxicating
• diverting
• gemütlich
• elating
• nirvanic

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disagreeable
• unpleasant
• unwelcome
• miserable
• abominable
• wretched
• horrid
• ghastly
• disgusting
• obnoxious
• vile
• odious
• unpalatable
• repulsive
• repugnant
• detestable
• flat
• sad
• hateful
• offensive
• hellish
• distasteful
• boring
• abhorrent
• irksome
• commonplace
• unsavory
• tedious
• repellent
• dull
• bilious
• insipid
• unhappy
• tragic
• gloomy
• dismal
• stale
• pleasureless
• deplorable
• dreary
• annoying
• depressing
• lamentable
• sorrowful
• regrettable
• doleful
• mournful
• god-awful
• irritating
• yucky
• joyless
• vexing
• exasperating
• heartbreaking
• lugubrious
• hostile
• disheartening
• displeasing
• aggravating
• revulsive
• heartrending
• dolorous
• perturbing
• lachrymose
• infuriating
• maddening
• disturbing
• distressing
• forbidding
• upsetting
• dissatisfying
• peeving
• intimidating
• enraging
• rankling
• angering
• outraging
• inflaming
• riling
• incensing

darling

2 of 2

noun

ˈdär-liŋ 

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

• favorite
• pet
• cup of tea
• preference
• dear
• fave
• beloved
• speed
• minion
• sweetheart
• treasure
• prize
• jewel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• anathema
• abomination
• bugbear
• bête noire

2

as in sweetheart

a person with whom one is in love

anything you say, darling

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sweetheart
• sweetie
• dear
• sweet
• beloved
• love
• girlfriend
• lover
• boyfriend
• girl
• wife
• boy
• husband
• honey
• flame
• hon
• mistress
• sweetie pie
• squeeze
• bride
• truelove
• gal
• beau
• lass
• doll
• fellow
• paramour
• pet
• inamorata
• swain
• ladylove
• admirer
• man
• amour
• steady
• date
• groom
• wooer
• escort
• gallant
• fiancé
• suitor
• significant other
• tootsie
• duck(s)
• heartthrob
• crush
• intended

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of darling

Adjective

The show is part variety spectacular, part cabaret, part magic show, but always exceptionally darling. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 May 2026

Of course, the olive pattern is darling, too. — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026

Noun

Countryman and pre-tournament analytical darling Matt Fitzpatrick was not able to generate the same type of late-round magic. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 16 July 2026

Try to put your kid in the window seat with you on the aisle so the little darling can’t escape and roam the plane without you. — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 15 July 2026

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