dark 1 of 2

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as in black
not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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as in evil
not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable dark deeds that resulted in the Russian czar being known to history as Ivan the Terrible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

dark

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dark different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can ambiguous take the place of dark?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When might cryptic be a better fit than dark?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When could enigmatic be used to replace dark?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of dark?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than dark?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When would vague be a good substitute for dark?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

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 dark
Adjective
Scarlett tempted Zayn to use a lead pipe to show his dark side. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025 Death is such a fun and funny character in the often dark and heavy fantasy series, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste plays her with an engaging warmth. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025
Noun
So the show and now the play is kind of like, maybe a dark PG-13, like an 80s PG-13. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 1 July 2025 Though most body mists tend to be perfect for day wear, this could easily work after dark too. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
Adjective
  • Its otherwise unassuming exterior hides a magnificent art collection as well as dim, plush interiors that look ripped from a David Lynch film.
    New York Times, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • Arrive early to give your eyes time to adjust to the dim twilight.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Adjective
  • For instance, the report highlights warming temperatures have pushed black legged ticks, a primary carrier of Lyme disease, northward.
    Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
  • For versatile pairs to match any outfit, snag the sleek white or black leather options.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
Adjective
  • Morale among agency staff is bleak, according to one CDC official who spoke on the condition that they not be named for fear of reprisals.
    Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 31 July 2025
  • Many people were concerned about their financial situation, as the overall economic outlook was bleak.
    Rocky Sharma, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
Adjective
  • At the same time, Cissie Graham Lynch, daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of the late Rev. Billy Graham, is urging believers not to stay silent in the face of growing hostility, including in the United States.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2025
  • And yet still too many are staying silent as the situation in Gaza deteriorates.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Adjective
  • Automate routine monitoring, but require cross-functional review for ambiguous or high-impact alerts, providing clear explanations.
    Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • At times, though, there’s nothing ambiguous or veiled in his work.
    Anastasia Tsioulcas, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Adjective
  • Yet Americans are surprisingly ignorant about our past.
    John C. Goodman, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
  • Residents are far from ignorant of Michigan’s law on train blockages.
    Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
Adjective
  • Prosecutors alleged Vallow Daybell and her husband, Chad Daybell, believed an apocalypse was imminent and people around them were evil zombies.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 July 2025
  • Thanks to now-iconic moments like Bob Barker’s surprisingly physical cameo and a cast including Christopher McDonald as Happy’s cartoonishly evil rival Shooter McGavin, the movie became a cult classic.
    Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The menu covers the classics—pizza, pasta, burgers—and there’s often a piano set or jazz night depending on the day.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The 800-freestyle, with preliminary heats Thursday night Eastern time and the final Saturday morning, is next up and the trickier of the two.
    Zack Pierce, New York Times, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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