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
But doctors have begun to suspect that this year's flu season—the most severe in over 15 years—has taken a yet darker turn for children. —Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025 Black-footed ferrets, weasel-like animals with distinctive dark bands around their eyes and black feet, are ruthless little hunters. —Benji Jones, Vox, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
In the dull, dank dark So where were the most diverse bacterial and archaeal populations? —Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025 Read Next National 19-year-old boogie boarder vanishes in dark off Oregon. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 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
  • She was then shown getting into a black car and being driven away.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Madison kicked off the race to the Oscars in a red custom Prada, and dabbled in haute couture in a black Schiaparelli skirt and bra set at the Gotham Awards.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of black
Adjective
  • The picture looks bleak in the U.S. and in France the company is entering receivership.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2025
  • The tiny graves at one end of the orphanage compound are a bleak reminder of what a future without USAID might look like for the children.
    — Nicholas Komu, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • The film investigates the silent epidemic of CRSV in Ukraine, a subject long shrouded in stigma.
    — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Mello was succeeded by Pete Garcia, who ran FIU athletics from 2006 to 2021, and, during that time, the Hall of Fame remained silent.
    — Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • The film has proven divisive, though, with some audiences puzzled by its breakneck tonal shifts and ambiguous ending.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Trump has not commented on the military base plan specifically but delivered an ambiguous answer this week to a question regarding the use of private companies to assist with deportations.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Because not only do viewers suffer through the whitest cast ever, but also one of its most politically ignorant.
    — Melanie Curry, refinery29.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Greed could refer to material attachment, jealousy bleeds into hatred, and delusion encompasses similar attitudes, like living a life ignorant to Buddha’s teachings or being dull and uncaring.
    — Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 17 Feb. 2025
Definition of ignorant
Adjective
  • Fans have long waited to see how the show, produced by Skybound Entertainment, adapts this massive event from Kirkman's comics, which sees Angstrom (Sterling K. Brown) assemble an army of evil Marks from alternate dimensions to lay siege to Earth.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Hot on the trail of a new brood of evil Mogwai, our heroes journey deep into the American West, coming up against new supernatural creatures and picking up a few mysterious characters along the way.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of evil
Noun
  • At the Calumet City VFW Tuesday night, Patton thanked the packed bar of supporters for their aid in his efforts to unseat Jones.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves completed a fearless comeback win for the ages Monday night.
    — Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of night
Adjective
  • Ivan Stupak, a former Ukrainian intelligence official, told Newsweek that while the details are still murky, the block is likely to significantly impact Ukraine's access to anti-aircraft missiles, especially interceptor missiles fired by the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system.
    — Ellie Cook, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • What about the murky ethics of selling galleys at sky-high prices despite receiving it for free?
    — Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of murky

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Cite this Entry

“Dark.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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