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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweethearts
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 darlings
Whales have been beached Once upon a time, whales were the darlings of the beer scene.
—
Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
First, the Art Institute invites Grammy darlings Third Coast Percussion to perform pieces for player piano by late architect Bruce Goff, the subject of a major retrospective running through March.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
In a November interview with CNBC, Dalio did not deny the potentially transformative effects of AI, but maintained the currently soaring valuations of tech darlings could face a correction before companies figure out how to fully integrate AI.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
The Kent-Glo in particular is a bestseller that’s loved by everyone who lays their eyes upon it, including Emmy Award–winning producers and media darlings.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Jan. 2026
Both have been plus/minus and net rating darlings of late.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The list, voted on by a group of 500 film executives, has previously featured future commercial hits and critical darlings like Promising Young Woman and Spotlight.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 9 Dec. 2025
But although the double Palme d’Or winners are arthouse darlings, Oscars have largely eluded them, except for 2014, when French actress Marion Cotillard was nominated for Two Days, One Night.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
Kill your darlings, the advice for writers, takes on a whole new meaning here.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
First, the Art Institute invites Grammy darlings Third Coast Percussion to perform pieces for player piano by late architect Bruce Goff, the subject of a major retrospective running through March.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
In a November interview with CNBC, Dalio did not deny the potentially transformative effects of AI, but maintained the currently soaring valuations of tech darlings could face a correction before companies figure out how to fully integrate AI.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
The Kent-Glo in particular is a bestseller that’s loved by everyone who lays their eyes upon it, including Emmy Award–winning producers and media darlings.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Jan. 2026
Both have been plus/minus and net rating darlings of late.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Dec. 2025
The list, voted on by a group of 500 film executives, has previously featured future commercial hits and critical darlings like Promising Young Woman and Spotlight.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 9 Dec. 2025
But although the double Palme d’Or winners are arthouse darlings, Oscars have largely eluded them, except for 2014, when French actress Marion Cotillard was nominated for Two Days, One Night.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 6 Dec. 2025
Kill your darlings, the advice for writers, takes on a whole new meaning here.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darlings
Noun
-
From favorites like collard greens and sweet potato casserole to updates on classics like potato salad and grits, these side dishes are like scooping up a bite of nostalgia.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
9 Nov. 2025
-
This is a luxurious, Relais & Châteaux property where the swanky cocktail terrace, Espazio Oteiza, is one of my favorites for the jaw-dropping coastal views.—
Michelle Arellano Martin,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The high school sweethearts grew into a family of three over the years that includes their three children—Cordé, Cordell, and Cori Broadus.—
Essence,
Essence,
4 Nov. 2025
-
The influencer, 26, graduated from nursing school in August 2024, and soon after, the high school sweethearts bought a house in Michigan, ending the long-distance aspect of their relationship, Adams tells PEOPLE exclusively.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
May these two sweeties never travel to Russia ever again.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
After all, when lovers of the cosmos come together in this Earth sign, tradition, courtship and long-term commitment take precedence over fleeting chemistry.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The cafe’s signature coconut latte is a great way to beat the heat and a must for coconut lovers.—
Arundhati Hazra,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darlings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darlings. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share