Synonyms for

Dark

Adjective / dɑ:rk / Another word for dark — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

without light or brightness; gloomy; obscure

Synonyms & similar words

grim blue shadow benighted saturnine black glum moody dismal iniquity drab sour drear light glowering disconsolate dingy morose dour colored sorry darkness day dreary night dim murky shadowy dusky gloomy grim bleak black pitch-black inky obscure somber unlit faint cloudy overcast nebulous opaque tenebrous funereal

Synonyms by register

Formal

obscure unilluminated dim murky

Informal

gloomy shadowy pitch-black creepy

Literary

ebon nocturnal Stygian

Antonyms

light bright sunny clear luminous radiant daytime

Common collocations

  • dark night
  • dark mood
  • dark secret
  • dark humor
  • dark clouds
  • dark ages
  • dark side

Word family

noun darkness
adjective dark
adverb darkly

Usage note

While 'dark' can refer to the absence of light, it also carries connotations of sadness, evil, or mystery. Be mindful of context when using it.

Compare "dark" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The sky turned dark as the sun set.
  2. The basement was so dark that I couldn't see anything.
  3. We were afraid to go outside in the dark.
  4. The movie had a dark ending.
  5. The forest was dark and spooky at night.

Quotes

  • The darkness of death is like the evening twilight; it makes all objects appear more lovely to the dying. - Jean Paul Richter
  • The dark night of the soul comes just before revelation. - Joseph Campbell
  • There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in. - Leonard Cohen

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