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
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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
Widely regarded as one of the best servers on tour, Shelton won 100% of his first-serve points and 73% on his second in that deciding set, a stark contrast from Tiafoe, who won just 40% of his second-serve points.
—
Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
As American consumers continue to grapple with inflation and high interest rates, a new financial report reveals stark contrasts in credit card debt across the United States.
—Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Iman’s lips drew a stark contrast to her eye makeup, dressed in a deep red lipstick with gloss layered over.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
Trouble is, that stark premium does not reflect growth in the fund’s NAV.
—Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stark
Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025
As American consumers continue to grapple with inflation and high interest rates, a new financial report reveals stark contrasts in credit card debt across the United States.
—Emma Marsden, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Iman’s lips drew a stark contrast to her eye makeup, dressed in a deep red lipstick with gloss layered over.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
Trouble is, that stark premium does not reflect growth in the fund’s NAV.
—Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for stark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stark
Adjective
-
While McArthur was being interviewed by investigators, search teams made a grim discovery: a portion of a human skull was found sticking out of the ground, encased in concrete and potting soil.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
The grim task, using strategies including hand-sifting and specific diving techniques, is expected to drag on for months.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Adjective
-
The sheer number of workers who are undocumented immigrants make the effect of widespread raids more pronounced.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
21 July 2025
-
In a picture at a piano, Alexa wore a pink, sheer dress that opened at her stomach, signifying that the couple was expecting a girl.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
18 July 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
-
Padam and Tulsi, whose remote Himalayan village has become increasingly desolate as families migrate to cities, leaving the pair to wonder who will perform their last rites.—
Variety Staff,
Variety,
25 July 2025
-
Imagine how desolate the Democrats are that a Democrat running on affordability is an anti-establishment Democrat.—
Ted Reed,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bill Pogue’s family and friends knew him as a thoughtful, deeply sensitive man, despite his reputation as a gruff, stern, wildlife officer.—
Jim Zumbo,
Outdoor Life,
17 July 2025
-
Who leaves us echoes — gruff, brilliant, unrepeatable — half legend, half lullaby.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
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Looking for their environmental DNA in scales, slime or skin cells that living beings shed all the time is a simpler way, Workman said.—
Madeline Heim,
jsonline.com,
24 July 2025
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The question is why England made such heavy weather of what should have been a relatively simple task.—
Michael Cox,
New York Times,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Pre-ride preparation is key—ensuring all devices are charged, storage cards are empty, and connections are made before kickstands go up.—
Shelby Knick,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
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Add the liquid to the reservoir and fill it with water. Step 3: Start descaling Start a standard brew cycle, dump out the solution and continue filling the mug until the tank is empty.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
31 July 2025
Adjective
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Then there is Canada and Greenland’s beef over the uninhabited Hans Island, a barren spit in the Kennedy Channel.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
25 July 2025
-
Brown, barren, patchy spots in your lawn can be unsightly.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
24 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stark. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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