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
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 darling
Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Christine Dobby, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Olivia Troye is latest anti-Trump media darling to run for office in 2026 midterms.
—FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
Sandy Liang graced us with so much darling fashion inspo, including fluffy heels that look like bunny slippers.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
By the Numbers Kraken Robotics (not that Kraken, cryptoheads) has emerged as a new darling in Canadian defense technology.
—Christine Dobby, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Olivia Troye is latest anti-Trump media darling to run for office in 2026 midterms.
—FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.—
Eleanor Nash
Updated May 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
-
Skeletal remains are air-dried, processed and returned to loved ones as powder in an urn or shaped as stones.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The casting featured a deep roster of models, from elders to adorable kids, many the children of staffers.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Hop on over to neighboring Mad Martha’s for ice cream, Murdick’s for fudge, and the adorable Edgartown Books for beach reads.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
When in bloom, the tree is adorned with fragrant white flowers that can fill a patio with their delightful scent.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
3 May 2026
-
This is a delightful day to enjoy everyone’s company.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Lines to see the fan favorites — Griner, second-year guard Saniya Rivers, former UConn star Aaliyah Edwards — wrapped around the length of the court for nearly an hour.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Dolly Parton is a living doll, a sweetheart.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
-
The Mooneys were high school sweethearts and have been married for 62 years.—
John Lauritsen,
CBS News,
5 May 2026
Adjective
-
That looks like a straight between the subscribers and young Wilfred, who was left cursing his beloved Palace for conceding that stoppage-time goal at Anfield, denying him a precious four-pointer.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
And her performance here feels more like an evolution of a beloved character rather than empty fan service.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Big Bear Valley's beloved baby eagles finally have names – and one moniker is a tribute to a dear friend of the nonprofit.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
-
McDaniels held onto Murray for dear life — often literally clasping his jersey — as the Nuggets tried to run him off every conceivable screen.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
Nobody wants a grammar correction popping up in the middle of a sweet message from their partner.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
-
Initially shy and reserved, according to her foster family, Cindy Lou is learning to come out of her shell and show her charming, sweet side.—
Maryanne Dell,
Oc Register,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
