1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
they poured gifts and affection on their darling child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved
a darling child that any couple would want to adopt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delightful
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses
what a darling set of dishes!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others
for a while that candidate was the darling of the news media and could do no wrong
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweetheart
a person with whom one is in love
anything you say, darling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darling
Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Widen your horizons with a red Breton stripe, like this one with a darling bow toe at the back.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 2 May 2022
Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
Along the way, Golden established himself as a rising star, while Walter Clayton became the darling of the Big Dance to win Most Outstanding Player and position himself as a potential first-round NBA Draft pick.
—Wesley Alden, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
This pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple.
—Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Widen your horizons with a red Breton stripe, like this one with a darling bow toe at the back.
—Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 2 May 2022
Noun
The service places recent international art-house critical darlings alongside some of the most beloved films of all time in a constantly rotating catalogue.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
Along the way, Golden established himself as a rising star, while Walter Clayton became the darling of the Big Dance to win Most Outstanding Player and position himself as a potential first-round NBA Draft pick.
—Wesley Alden, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Look forward to playtime with the adorable animals (the kittens are adoptable), along with social media-worthy photo activations, healthy bites from Vale, matcha lattes and coffee.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
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Case in point: These adorable Papillio by Birkenstock sandals, 41 percent off, provide an extra inch of height but still have the same comfy cork footbed the brand is known for.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
As for that delightful scent McGuinness referenced?—
Victoria Moorhouse,
Glamour,
18 Apr. 2025
-
Inside the delightful Pasadena Showcase House of Design, where maximalism is in.—
Ryan Fonseca,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But this is a puncher’s chance; Denver won’t enter the playoffs as an overwhelming favorite.—
Tony Jones,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
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Long a favorite of the Twins’ player development group, Keirsey, who turns 28 in May, made his first Opening Day roster.—
Dan Hayes,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
On June 25, 2000, just as the window to call high-school players officially opened, Crean contacted Wade at the home of his high-school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
-
And in walks the dream of America’s sweetheart, Sandra Dee.—
Alan Light,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The show had a brief run Off Broadway in 1996, then lived on with a miniature national tour and a beloved cast recording.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
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After two long years, Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler are back on screen together — and the beloved duo didn't miss a beat!—
Alex Ross,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
-
More significantly, the vengeful felon-in-chief has sent a clear-cut message: Oppose his heedless, plainly unconstitutional actions in court — one of the only avenues left to fight Trump’s creeping authoritarianism — and there will be a dear price to pay.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sarah Howlett, a mom of tween twins in Boulder, Colorado Lies that End Up Bringing Lasting Joy Finally, sometimes lies end up being enriching and unexpectedly sweet.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
14 Apr. 2025
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A bit sweet from sugar, a bit acidic from vinegar, a bit spicy from hot sauce, and rounded out with neutral oil, this homemade vinaigrette recipe is the perfect all-purpose salad dressing.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
But how about taking your sweetie to Hathor’s Festival of Love?—
Sal Pizarro,
The Mercury News,
14 Feb. 2025
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Nearly all sammies are eligible for the deal — just The Beast, 5 Meat Italian and the Garlic Roast Beef aren’t part of the discount — and the promo can be used once per order. Don’t forget about a sweet for your sweetie!—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
10 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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