black 1 of 3

Definition of blacknext
1
as in ebony
having the color of soot or coal we adopted a little black kitten

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
as in swarthy
not having a light complexion a black Irishman, Tyrone Power had the classic looks of a Hollywood leading man

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black

2 of 3

noun

black

3 of 3

verb

chiefly British

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 black
Adjective
Pick it up in white to mimic Clarkson’s outfit, or choose from 15 additional colors, including navy, pink, and black. Sarah Dimuro, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026 Le Sundial’s beaded earrings felt like the perfect finishing touch, grounded by the classics—black pumps and a clutch. Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 May 2026
Noun
While for some, black holds negative connotations of sadness, the color is also associated with authority, power, strength, and sophistication. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 The two suspects were described as Hispanic, dressed entirely in black, and wearing black facemasks and blue gloves. Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for black
Recent Examples of Synonyms for black
Adjective
  • With an ebony handle and gorgeous decorative hammer marks, the Kazan Arare gyuto is a piece anyone would proudly display in their home.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
  • The kitchen, connected to the dining room via a butler’s pantry, features ebony cabinetry and integrated appliances.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But what exactly happens to these baby stars next isn't always clear (literally) because they are buried deep within clouds of dark, dusty gas that obscure them.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026
  • All the bedrooms can be found upstairs, including one that’s currently being used as an office and a primary suite flaunting dual dressing rooms and baths, plus a sauna clad in dark gray stone.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Apr. 2026
  • As scientists often find darkened teeth in ancient burials, other factors can contribute to a black appearance, notably the chewing of betel leaves.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 14 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The land, unfenced, abuts a bald blackened hillside that must be public land.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025
  • In its time open, fueled by fans of its blackened mahi and buttery lobster rolls, owner Mike Smith has expanded his footprint, moving into a larger stall in the popular food hall — which has allowed for a menu expansion, as well.
    Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2022
Noun
  • In it, a crescent of Earth’s blue vitality hovers amid the blackness of space, above a high-definition brownish gray wasteland of lunar craters.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Together, these two superb artists make much of Yarris constantly seeking the light, as Yarris searches for a way forward from the blackness of death row.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • This comes as part of a national strike, calling for people to boycott work, school and spending on May 1.
    Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 1 May 2026
  • Calls to boycott the soccer games have grown louder in the last few months.
    Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Around that time, a celebrity biologist and adventurer named Robert Marc Lehmann showed up in a gray-camouflage wetsuit.
    Jessica Camille Aguirre, New Yorker, 2 May 2026
  • Choose between a variety of color combinations that include black with navy, olive green, gray, pink, brown, and more.
    Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Details about the underlying allegation remain murky, but the department sources familiar with the matter said the LAPD’s secretive Special Operations Division tailed officers who were under investigation.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • He’s offered a murky definition of a ceasefire.
    Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Black.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/black. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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