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
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
The polished blouse is crafted from mulberry silk and spandex for a hint of stretch and has a darling tie-neck sash for extra flair.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
The Editors, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
French tips, solid nails, and playful blueberry designs make for the most darling finish.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
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
The polished blouse is crafted from mulberry silk and spandex for a hint of stretch and has a darling tie-neck sash for extra flair.
—Ali Faccenda, PEOPLE, 7 Dec. 2025
Noun
In between seasons, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Sydney Sweeney, and the rest of the cast have come to rule Hollywood, starring in blockbuster franchises, A24 and Neon film-festival darlings, and generating buzzy press cycles all on their own.
—The Editors, Vulture, 6 Apr. 2026
French tips, solid nails, and playful blueberry designs make for the most darling finish.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Nastiness can be framed as a function of mourning a loved one, as with Dorinda’s rants on RHONY; or despair over personal crises, as with RHOC star Shannon Beador’s DUI and car crash.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
-
For those with loved ones still in Iran, this pause doesn't bring them any peace.—
Ubah Ali
April 7,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
At the end, there were adorable little gift bags and flowers.—
Roxane Gay,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
See the adorable trio in photos.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
The entire pool was repiped and coated with a delightful granular coating.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The soft custard filling complements the firm peach slices for a delightful texture and the perfect make-ahead dessert.—
Abby Fribush,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The result is functional comfort food that fuels modern lifestyles -- bringing together great taste and powerful nutrition so people can enjoy classic favorites like pasta night with the benefits of high protein, high fiber and dramatically fewer carbs.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The Game Zone arcade area is another easy win, especially for younger kids and teens, with a mix of high-tech games and nostalgic favorites that make a great break from the sun.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Her silk sweetheart gown and cropped cardigan, also designed by Sarah Burton, went viral in 2022 as being particularly gorgeous and underrated.—
Katherine J Igoe,
InStyle,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Nedoroscik and McCracken became college sweethearts after meeting at Penn State University in 2017.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Author Jason Klamm tackles a key question about the beloved 1986 John Hughes film.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
10 Apr. 2026
-
In late 2024, Scheffler auctioned off his beloved 2012 GMC Yukon XL—the car his father gave him after college—through Heritage Auctions, with all proceeds benefiting Triumph Over Kid Cancer.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
My meditation coach, Penny, has become one of my dearest friends.—
Renée Onque,
CNBC,
7 Apr. 2026
-
The onboard toilet is perhaps the spaceflight amenity held most dear to astronauts who value creature comforts.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
But everything is silky and precise to the touch, and the sound astonishingly full and sweet in the small room, with the strain of an accordion coming in through the open window.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The hotel is very family-friendly, and cots (complete with sweet Ambasciatori Palace teddy bears) can be placed in all rooms.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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