1
as in favorites
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweethearts
a person with whom one is in love
anything you say, darling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darlings
Despite Algeria becoming the local darlings of Lawrence, KC Live!
—
Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
New Zealand filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou — twins better known by their nom de YouTube RackkaRackka, where their violent, nutso videos were embraced by millions of viewers — became indie darlings thanks to their 2022 hit for A24, Talk to Me.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
Take a peek inside where the revenues for these AI darlings will come from.
—Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Since its heyday in the early and mid-2000s, the brand quietly made a resurgence, garnering partnerships with music industry darlings like Megan Thee Stallion and Zara Larsson.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 6 June 2026
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
The group features sustainable darlings like Babylonstoren in South Africa and true regional gems like the storied La Mamounia, a landmark of Marrakech’s unrivaled hospitality scene.
—Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
What a week indie-disco darlings The Killers have ahead of them.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 23 May 2026
Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 16 June 2026
New Zealand filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou — twins better known by their nom de YouTube RackkaRackka, where their violent, nutso videos were embraced by millions of viewers — became indie darlings thanks to their 2022 hit for A24, Talk to Me.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026
Take a peek inside where the revenues for these AI darlings will come from.
—Bhaskar Chakravorti, Fortune, 7 June 2026
Since its heyday in the early and mid-2000s, the brand quietly made a resurgence, garnering partnerships with music industry darlings like Megan Thee Stallion and Zara Larsson.
—Essence Wiley, InStyle, 6 June 2026
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
The group features sustainable darlings like Babylonstoren in South Africa and true regional gems like the storied La Mamounia, a landmark of Marrakech’s unrivaled hospitality scene.
—Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
What a week indie-disco darlings The Killers have ahead of them.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darlings
Noun
-
The spectacle continues today at Wrigley Field with a rotating cast of celebrities, athletes and Chicago-area favorites taking a turn on the microphone.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
Switzerland, the heavy favorites to win Group B, controlled most of the first half with a 14-4 advantage in shots while controlling 75% of the possession.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The couple, who are both from Kentucky, are high school sweethearts and have been together since 2016.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
16 June 2026
-
After first crossing paths in secondary school, Eve’s parents, Ali and Bono, became high school sweethearts.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
May these two sweeties never travel to Russia ever again.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But for lovers of remote places and untamed nature, the effort is well worth it.—
The Week UK,
TheWeek,
14 June 2026
-
And that’s a very good thing for the hardcore rye lovers out there.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darlings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darlings. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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