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
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
Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 27 Dec. 2022
This pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple.
—Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Over the course of a few months, Alone became media darling, garnering coverage in mainstream newspapers and magazines, well as public endorsements from celebrities.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
The actor, 35, took to Instagram on Monday to share a tribute to the darling little girl.
—Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 27 Dec. 2022
This pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple.
—Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Noun
After premiering in 2023 as one of the highlights of the New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival, the doc is now part of the city’s Pride celebrations — because drag has always been political, darling.
—Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
Over the course of a few months, Alone became media darling, garnering coverage in mainstream newspapers and magazines, well as public endorsements from celebrities.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Jack, whose back was turned to the camera, wore an adorable mini Toronto Maple Leafs jersey — a nod to his dad's favorite home team.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
28 June 2025
-
Destry Spielberg thanks members of her clan in the credits, including someone film lovers might not know: Chicken Spielberg, an adorable Irish setter/poodle mix.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
The best overall pick was Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil for its subtle-yet-buildable luminosity, minimal transfer onto clothes, and delightful fragrance.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
17 June 2025
-
To watch dancing is intrinsically delightful, and Flanagan, without doing anything exceptional with the camera, conveys a spectatorial sense of that delight.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
These foods are also some of my favorites to cook and eat.—
Ben Abrams,
NPR,
19 June 2025
-
That seasonal favorite reappears on the Official Physical Singles chart at No. 79, perhaps helped onto that list by the excitement around the singer’s latest cut.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
In one video of the reception, the bride and groom sit and share a kiss at a sweetheart table draped in white fabric and adorned with an abundance of florals.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
23 June 2025
-
Thankfully, his wife, Trish, Matheson’s high-school sweetheart, stood by him, and his few remaining restaurant friends staged an intervention not long after.—
Stephen Rodrick,
Rolling Stone,
19 June 2025
Adjective
-
The Holocaust, the fight against segregation, assassinations of beloved public figures, the war on terror, the pandemic.—
Dr. Richard Fichman,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
At Sweet Bliss Bakery With a range from turtle brownies to lavender blueberry cheesecake, Sweet Bliss Bakery is a beloved spot for all things sweet in Nelson County.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
For Decker, being able to create something with a dear friend has been really rewarding.—
Alex Ross,
People.com,
27 June 2025
-
Lenox lives in Mayfair, next door to his dearest friend, a widow in her early thirties.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
26 June 2025
-
Instead, we were met with gray skies and rain, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying our sweet treats.—
Kaitlyn Rosati,
New York Daily News,
25 June 2025
Noun
-
Yes, sweetie, the nail magicians at Chillhouse have delivered a dreamy gua sha tool that's just as satisfying for your muscles as their tips are for your fingers.—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The actor posted sweetie pictures of his three fictional children, leaving out, well, his wife, played by Parker Posey.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share