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
The serum is a beyond-potent combination of 15 percent vitamin C, one percent vitamin E, and 0.5 percent ferulic acid formulated to brighten skin, fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and target fine lines and wrinkles. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 4 Apr. 2025 TikTok briefly went dark in the US and was pulled from app stores on Jan. 18. —Chloe Albanesius, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
Gradient denim pieces that went from dark into to white were part of SRVC’s collection. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025 That’s called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which pops up when your body overproduces melanin (the pigment that gives your skin and stubborn dark spots its color). —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 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
  • The Glasses’ collection features three color stories, neutral tones inspired by the siblings’ homeland; the red and black hues recalling Navajo dyeing techniques, and indigo.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Opt for the classic walnut or this contemporary black hue.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of black
Adjective
  • The coming-of-age story finds a new generation of young women in Gilead, grappling with the bleak future that awaits them.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Stocks had sold off sharply last Friday, amid growing uncertainty on U.S. trade policy and a bleak inflation outlook.
    — Amala Balakrishner, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of bleak
Adjective
  • While the Kardashians have remained publicly silent in response to his latest outburst, Ye’s ongoing battle with his former in-laws continues to play out in the public eye.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Musk was silent on his X platform in the wake of Crawford’s victory, reposting a message about Vietnam and tariffs but nothing on the Supreme Court contest.
    — Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of silent
Adjective
  • Religion is the topic most likely to cause offense in India today, though the code is ambiguous on this point too.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • One thing that is not ambiguous is that the spirit is drawing Mia into its world a little at a time.
    — Katie Rife, Vulture, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of ambiguous
Adjective
  • Related Stories Whoever says this is unskilled work is either ignorant or lying.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Beth and her husband Frank’s willfully ignorant marital bliss is upended when Beth’s brother-in-law shoots a dog that belongs to Gabriel, Beth’s teenage love.
    — Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of ignorant
Adjective
  • Lillard’s career catapulted following his turn in the flick as Stu Macher, one-half of the evil duo (including Ulrich’s Billy Loomis) behind the savage killings at Woodsboro High.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2025
  • No country will afford to regimes which practice racial discrimination assistance which in its own judgment directly contributes to the pursuit or consolidation of this evil policy.
    — Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
Definition of evil
Noun
  • The Cornhuskers opened up this tournament on Monday night with a game against Arizona State and won 86-78.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Spoelstra unsuccessfully challenged that second Adebayo foul, left without a challenge the balance of the night.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of night
Adjective
  • Details are still murky with the plan yet to be formally presented to the all-powerful ICC board.
    — Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The process, however, has been murky based on which military branch people are looking to return to, with only the Navy offering a solid idea of the decision.
    — Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 9 Apr. 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 13 Apr. 2025.

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