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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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!

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • Closet Confidential Shop for pre-loved designer fashions, accessories and more to benefit Dress for Success Georgia’s work to help women across the state move forward in their careers and lives.
    — Mary Caldwell, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The tasks that OpenAI is testing can vary widely — from apartment hunting to caring for a loved one.
    — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • The two sides can also be snapped together to form a small top handle that’s adorable for nighttime events.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Preternaturally poised and absolutely adorable, Arlo seems genetically engineered to fit into Peter’s chaotic life and thrive.
    — Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • Al Fresco Bar Cart Made of solid and veneered walnut with elegant brass details, the Cotu (from the makers of our favorite bar cabinets) is a delightful midcentury-style bar cart that has a distinctive asymmetrical incline on each shelf.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Her South American sensibility means breads are made with flours like quinoa, cassava, and sweet potato, which gives them a delightful chewiness.
    — Luke Pyenson, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 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
  • This iteration of the beloved children’s book revolves around the shenanigans that occur after a mischievous hat-wearing cat arrives to cheer up two siblings who move to a new town.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Nov. 2026
  • But isn’t the Fisherwoman, a kind of sister to Chaucer’s working woman—the five-times married Alison, the beloved first sovereign woman of English literature—content to be alone?
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • In a dear-colleague letter to Democratic lawmakers officially kicking off his speakership bid, Jeffries hinted at additional legislative items.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Funny, Cecily Brown had told me that one of her dealers and a dear friend, Stefania Bortolami, gives her artist friends pajamas from Rome for Christmas.
    — Dodie Kazanjian, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • Jovovich wrapped up the sweet caption by praising her daughter’s strength, loyalty, and perseverance.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The musician first revealed that Delaney was expecting her first baby with a sweet post in April.
    — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE, 5 Nov. 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 11 Nov. 2026.

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