dark 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdärk How to pronounce dark (audio)
Definition of darknext
1
as in darkened
being without light or without much light a dark alley that most people wisely avoided

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2
as in black
not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

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3
as in bleak
causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer her mind was filled with dark thoughts until the results of the medical test came back as negative

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4
as in silent
given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge the actor was always quite dark about his life before his arrival in Hollywood

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5
as in ambiguous
having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the superhero was not daunted by the villain's dark threats

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6
as in ignorant
lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books is known as a dark period in European history when people lived in ignorance, fear, and want

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7
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

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dark

2 of 2

noun

1
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light I have a bad habit of running into tables in the dark

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2
as in night
the time from sunset to sunrise when there is no visible sunlight we were going to wait until dark to go trick-or-treating

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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
Opening April 8, 2026 A blind date spirals spectacularly off the rails in Becky Shaw, the razor-sharp dark comedy from two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Gina Gionfriddo. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 3 June 2025 Ortega's short nails were painted a very on-brand dark cherry red in a similar shade as her soft ombré lined lip; her lips were lined with a warm dark brick shade and a light rose color inside. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 June 2025
Noun
With his supernatural expertise, Harry must navigate Chicago’s dark underbelly to stop the killer before more victims are claimed, all while dealing with the dangerous creatures and forces that lurk in the shadows. —Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 Kevin wore a pretty classic dark wash denim on denim look with his wife and daughter in the city. —Aamina Inayat Khan, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dark
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark
  1. black
  2. bleak
  3. silent
  4. ambiguous
  5. ignorant
  6. evil
  7. night
  8. murky
Adjective
  • Soldiers from the caisson detachment in blue jeans, black shirts and white cowboy hats mucked out stalls.
    — Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Video showed dozens of LAPD officers massed in a skirmish line across the street from the mob, gripping black and green riot guns that fire foam rounds.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2025
Definition of black
Adjective
  • At the same time, others who attended this year’s California Democratic Party Convention dismissed any notion that the future of the Democratic Party is bleak.
    — Linh Tat, Oc Register, 31 May 2025
  • The early options on the GOP side are bleak: Neither Donalds nor Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife who’s said to be interested in succeeding him, is the moderate Florida so desperately needs now.
    — Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • While the Trump administration was silent on the details of the document, a New York Times report described it as merely a list of bullet points, not a full draft, citing four officials familiar with the negotiations.
    — Zach LaChance, The Washington Examiner, 1 June 2025
  • Proenza Schouler leans toward a silent gesture with its mint green terry dress.
    — Alex Sales, Glamour, 31 May 2025
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • At first unsure, Ester allows the guy to touch her, and as a viewer the scene is ambiguous.
    — Catherine Bray, Variety, 24 May 2025
  • The camera flies out over the water, and neither Cecilie nor the audience gets a definitive answer, with the series coming to an ambiguous and unsettling end.
    — Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Simone, still at the hospital, remains blissfully ignorant of Kiki’s vengeful turn.
    — Caroline Framke, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Conservative media, once a proud home to voices like Charles Krauthammer, Jonah Goldberg, and Bill Kristol, now platforms ignorant Trump sycophants who have no use for conservative principles — or principles of any kind.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Definition of ignorant
Adjective
  • Rakshasa’s evil beast fits thematically with the park’s nearby 1976 Demon looping coaster.
    — Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 28 May 2025
  • Evans gives an oversized comedic performance as the church’s charming but evil minister.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 27 May 2025
Definition of evil
Noun
  • Siakam had 31 points and Haliburton scored 11 of his 21 in the fourth quarter, carrying the Pacers to a 125-108 victory over the New York Knicks on Saturday night for a 4-2 series win and their first trip to the NBA Finals since 2000.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
  • The Knicks’ season came to an end with a 125-108 loss at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night, dashing their dreams of returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025
Definition of night
Adjective
  • There is no evidence that Ms. Harris paid for the endorsements, although details on celebrity engagements can be somewhat murky.
    — Theodore Schleifer, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • Even as the temporary agreement between the U.S. and China has lifted sentiment this week, some major U.S. companies are issuing warnings about rising costs and a murky macroeconomic outlook.
    — Pia Singh,Tanaya Macheel, CNBC, 15 May 2025
Definition of murky

Phrases Containing dark

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daringness
dark
dark age
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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

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