1
as in to frown
to take on a gloomy or forbidding look
his face slowly darkened as we told him the sad news
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct
years of accumulated grime have darkened the painting until it can barely be seen
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to mar
to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable
the scandal darkened his otherwise sterling reputation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 darken
Right away, its stark-black exterior captivates, having been treated with the Japanese technique shou sugi ban that preserves and darkens its cedar cladding.
—
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
Ramadan in Gaza In Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, AP video showed a long table set for the breaking of the day’s Ramadan fast, snaking through the ruins and lit by strings of lights as the sky darkened.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
During the day, their color darkens.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
Shared pool, pet-friendly, concierge, bike rentals, room-darkening shades Proximity is a big perk when staying at this luxe bungalow villa—downtown Tulum is just five minutes away by car, 10 minutes from the beach, and 15 minutes from Gran Cenote and Kaan Luum Lagoon.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025
Ramadan in Gaza In Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, AP video showed a long table set for the breaking of the day’s Ramadan fast, snaking through the ruins and lit by strings of lights as the sky darkened.
—David Rising, Chicago Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
During the day, their color darkens.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025
Shared pool, pet-friendly, concierge, bike rentals, room-darkening shades Proximity is a big perk when staying at this luxe bungalow villa—downtown Tulum is just five minutes away by car, 10 minutes from the beach, and 15 minutes from Gran Cenote and Kaan Luum Lagoon.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for darken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darken
Verb
-
Bolsonaro, who had sat apart from the other candidates, frowned furiously.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
7 Apr. 2025
-
There were even rumors that sneezing in McMahon's presence was frowned upon, as it was perceived as a sign of weakness.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
First, there was a drip-drip-drip of crisis: as costs everywhere rose, city, state, and federal monies faded away once COVID-era bailout efforts came to an end.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2025
-
He’s got a big smile and that Generation Z vibe, maybe a freshly cut fade every three to four weeks.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The recipient's name was obscured, and it was noted that the migrant refused to sign it on Friday.—
Andrew Chung, Luc Cohen, Kristina Cooke,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
-
But the short-term bump in the stock price obscures a much more complicated picture.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
His rookie season was marred by an uneven second half, which was hindered by hand and foot injuries.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
25 Apr. 2025
-
His final collegiate season was marred by a shoulder injury and insufficient QB play, but Loveland still led the Wolverines in receptions (56), receiving yards (582) and receiving TDs (five).—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Browns are staring at a training camp competition between 40-year-old Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, who flamed out as the Steelers’ starter in just two seasons.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
The image, which is one of a set of lowrider photographs acquired by the Smithsonian, is dominated by the driver of the car, who rests her elbow on the edge of the open window and stares straight at us with a confidence that is at once challenging and completely relaxed.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Juicy, whole lobster served grilled or blackened is best, though the menu at this famous haunt features every possible elaboration of the dish.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Photo : Andrew Pogue The compact kitchen sports blackened stainless-steel counters.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Here, the border of the gayborhood blurs with the gay beach.—
JD Shadel,
Them.,
21 Apr. 2025
-
The extensive use of glass enhances visibility while blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior, making every journey feel seamless and connected to the surroundings.—
The Editors,
Robb Report,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Dodge won't spoil the surprise by confirming if the last one will be based on the Charger or the Challenger (or maybe both), but the evidence suggests the latter is more likely.—
Jack Fitzgerald,
Car and Driver,
13 Feb. 2023
-
Farmers’ broiler chickens suffocate, and dairy products spoil.—
Monica Mark,
The Christian Science Monitor,
10 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Darken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darken. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share