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
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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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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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
-
The grim discovery has shaken the Wenatchee community and set off a sweeping manhunt for Decker, who has not been seen since.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
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
-
The pressure is on him and his team to replicate their earlier success, a tall order considering what a factor the sheer surprise of the phenomenon, impossible to replicate now, played back in 2021.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
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
-
For starters, no one would ever describe them as empty or desolate.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
-
Of the 14 missiles, 13 were intercepted, with the final munition allowed to land harmlessly in a desolate area.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
24 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
-
The simplest ideas in mathematics can also be the most perplexing.—
Leila Sloman,
Wired News,
29 June 2025
-
Start your day like a pro with simple morning cleaning habits that keep your home feeling fresh, organized, and under control.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Adjective
-
Always empty or cover the pool when not in use to prevent accidents and mosquito breeding.—
Lauren Bengtson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 June 2025
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Lawmakers argue that local economies, such as small businesses in downtown areas, suffer when federal offices remain empty.—
Gleb Tsipursky,
Time,
25 June 2025
Adjective
-
Work and plans are changing what was once a barren landscape into a new neighborhood.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
-
As the moon progresses through the different phases of the lunar calendar, the sun's light throws new impact sites, barren plains, and swathes of broken landscapes into relief as prime targets for amateur astronomers wielding binoculars and backyard telescopes.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
21 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stark. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
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