dark 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdärk How to pronounce dark (audio)
Definition of darknext
1
as in dim
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
Number two, male, white, tall, gray hair, dark eyes. —Danielle Bacher, People.com, 21 July 2025 Create a calming nighttime routine, and keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 20 July 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
  1. dim
  2. black
  3. bleak
  4. silent
  5. ambiguous
  6. ignorant
  7. evil
  8. night
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
Definition of dim
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
  • But the obvious calculation behind this move illustrated the desperation of so many anonymous black showbiz performers (such as those who were paid to promote the Kamala Harris campaign) who eagerly demonstrate an unshakeable loyalty to the post-FDR legacy of Democratic Party devotion.
    — Armond White, National Review, 25 July 2025
Definition of black
Adjective
  • The reversal is notable because this traditionally bleak indicator had been trending more positively under Trump's second term—until now.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • Restaurants were closed, staff were furloughed, and the broad outlook on the hospitality industry’s future was, in a word, bleak.
    — Lela London, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The rest of the Royals’ lineup remained silent as the Marlins earned a series victory with a 3-1 win at LoanDepot Park.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2025
  • Our tester noted that the sleep mode is almost completely silent, which is useful if your kid or their roommate is a light sleeper.
    — Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 19 July 2025
Definition of silent
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
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Residents are far from ignorant of Michigan’s law on train blockages.
    — Ayah Imran, Freep.com, 18 July 2025
  • With the current events unfolding in the U.S. (as well as the ongoing struggle for People of Color), Hightower didn’t want to be ignorant of what was happening in their country.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of ignorant
Adjective
  • From the twins and their parents to evil fiancées and housekeepers, the characters have gained a cult following since their release, with some fans using them as inspiration for their outfits, summer mood boards, and interior design.
    — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2025
  • Historically, antisemitic conspiracy theories have revolved around the idea that a shadowy and evil Jewish elite secretly controls the world, and ritualistic child abuse is a common trope within them.
    — Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of evil
Noun
  • The fear is enough to keep you up at night, and even ruin your hotel stay.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • But on Thursday night, the winds calmed as Wilson took her time, slowly and meticulously absorbing the expansive exhibit that told her life story.
    — Nancy Kruh, People.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of night

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 29 Jul. 2025.

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