1
as in favorites
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweethearts
a person with whom one is in love
anything you say, darling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of darlings
The group included darlings of the far right, the left, moderates and many in between.
—
Leah Askarinam, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Software businesses that have been darlings of tech in past years are at risk of falling out of fashion with investors while AI models continue to develop and get better at writing code.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Now, after a rash of injuries, the preseason darlings are in danger of falling out of playoff contention.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Unlike most iris, these darlings grow from a bulb, not a rhizome.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
Wide receiver Traeshon Holden has been one of the training camp darlings with his electric catches and smooth route-running ability.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2025
Carolina wants to protect potential practice-squad darlings, and no cuts have been made as of Friday.
—Mike Kaye
august 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025
The Texas Longhorns are everyone's college football darlings heading into the 2025 season.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
They’re given a moment in the sun, and that’s perhaps enough — these are among those indie darlings that have been talked about to death over the years.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Leah Askarinam, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Software businesses that have been darlings of tech in past years are at risk of falling out of fashion with investors while AI models continue to develop and get better at writing code.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2025
Now, after a rash of injuries, the preseason darlings are in danger of falling out of playoff contention.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Unlike most iris, these darlings grow from a bulb, not a rhizome.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025
Wide receiver Traeshon Holden has been one of the training camp darlings with his electric catches and smooth route-running ability.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Aug. 2025
Carolina wants to protect potential practice-squad darlings, and no cuts have been made as of Friday.
—Mike Kaye
august 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 Aug. 2025
The Texas Longhorns are everyone's college football darlings heading into the 2025 season.
—Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Aug. 2025
They’re given a moment in the sun, and that’s perhaps enough — these are among those indie darlings that have been talked about to death over the years.
—Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darlings
Noun
-
What two letters are favorites of pirates?—
Richard Lederer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Despite Alfred and Jefferson-Wooden being the clear favorites for gold in the 100-meter dash, there are a few others besides Fraser-Pryce who could spoil the party.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Akl and Hasan Akil (Memory Box) star as childhood sweethearts Yasmina and Nino, who lose sight of one another to reunite in their late 20s, with their relationship developing in step with the tumultuous history of Lebanon.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
-
The high school sweethearts got married in 2014 and welcomed their son, Stefan, in October of that same year.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
There is, actually, another category of nail lovers that has emerged in recent years, and those are people who swear by temporary press-ons.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The collection features hoodies, tees, jackets, and hats, all combining NFL branding with BXR aesthetics, making for something that appeals both to sports super‑fans and streetwear lovers alike.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darlings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darlings. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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