1
as in grim
harsh and threatening in manner or appearance
stark and forbidding mountains that the settlers knew that they would have to cross
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sheer
having no exceptions or restrictions
the school's stark prohibition against obscene slogans on clothing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in devoid
lacking contents that could or should be present
house buyers trying to imagine what those stark rooms would look like when filled with furniture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in desolate
producing inferior or only a small amount of vegetation
a once-lush landscape rendered depressingly stark by strip-mining and deforestation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in spartan
providing only the essentials and nothing fancy or luxurious
monks who have committed themselves to living in stark cells and working and praying in silence
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 stark
The panel addressed the stark underrepresentation of Muslim characters in Hollywood, citing a June 2021 USC Annenberg study that found only 1.6% of nearly 9,000 characters in the 200 most popular films between 2017-2019 were Muslim, despite Muslims comprising 1.8 billion people globally.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 June 2025
Instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided by the natural nail length itself.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 23 June 2025
The post on his social media platform marked a stark reversal from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Sunday morning news conference that detailed the aerial bombing of Iran early Sunday.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
This is stark testament to the differing powers on display.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stark
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 23 June 2025
Instead of opting for a stark contrast between a soft pink base layer and bright white tips, manicurists have been creating altogether softer, sheerer iterations with just a hint of a pale tip–often provided by the natural nail length itself.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 23 June 2025
The post on his social media platform marked a stark reversal from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Sunday morning news conference that detailed the aerial bombing of Iran early Sunday.
—Josh Boak, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
This is stark testament to the differing powers on display.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for stark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stark
Adjective
-
Despite the grim topic, the report offers encouraging news: Steady progress has been made in reducing child labor globally.—
Fatma Tanis,
NPR,
26 June 2025
-
Gatwa’s first as the Doctor. Compare Season 15 to Jodie Whittaker’s last outing as the Time Lord, and things get grimmer.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Felipe Cardenas: Due to sheer numbers and commitment, Boca’s ultras and travelling band of die-hard fans lit up the tournament.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
-
Her Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress was a mermaid-style lace gown with sheer long sleeves and a high neckline.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon , Emily Trainham , Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Banking has become functionally correct but emotionally devoid, with the industry swimming in a sea of sameness.—
Michael Abbott,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Delle, devoid for so long from its intrinsic need for social interaction might be filling in the gaps by talking to himself.—
Mack DeGeurin,
Popular Science,
14 Feb. 2023
Adjective
-
Construction sites and other workplaces have been desolate.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
15 June 2025
-
Her 12-day flight included crossing the rugged Ural Mountains and desolate Siberian wastes, while navigating with only a map and compass.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
6 June 2025
Adjective
-
Eric Bauman, a gruff and tireless political operative who led two of California’s most powerful Democratic organizations before resigning amid misconduct allegations, died Monday.—
Laura J. Nelson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2025
-
Cross-examination from the defense’s gruff Xavier Donaldson will continue first thing Tuesday when the trial picks up again.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
12 May 2025
Adjective
-
In his formal lecture to the Academy, Campbell offered some reflections on the simple science that gave rise to the treatment, and to its wide array of applications.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
17 June 2025
-
The simplest way to achieve your goal may be a version of the truth that’s not the whole truth.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
The notion Tehran was sprinting toward a nuclear bomb is an empty talking point.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
-
Always empty or cover the pool when not in use to prevent accidents and mosquito breeding.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Richards’ finish saved the U.S. in what was otherwise a listless appearance in front of a barren home crowd at Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium.—
Paul Tenorio,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
-
Transatlantic flights from northern Europe — London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Copenhagen — routinely cross the southern half of the island, the bright, barren ice sheet often visible for up to an hour of cruising speed.—
Morten Høi Jensen,
The Dial,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stark. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share