Synonyms for

Noir

Verb / nɔɪr / Another word for noir — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Noir is a style of crime fiction characterized by cynicism, fatalism, and moral ambiguity.

Synonyms & similar words

thriller whodunit hardboiled dark shadowy bleak grim morbid sinister ominous gloomy atmospheric eerie

Synonyms by register

Formal

dark somber gloomy melancholy

Informal

dark gritty bleak depressing

Literary

shadowy dusky murky stygian

Antonyms

bright cheerful optimistic lighthearted sunny joyful

Common collocations

  • film noir
  • neo-noir
  • noir style
  • noir aesthetic
  • noir fiction
  • noir atmosphere
  • dark noir

Word family

noun noir
adjective noir

Usage note

Primarily used to describe a genre of crime fiction and film characterized by cynicism, fatalism, and moral ambiguity. Can also refer to a dark, gloomy, or somber mood.

Example sentences

  1. I am reading a noir novel set in Los Angeles in the 1940s.
  2. This movie has a really dark, noir feel to it.
  3. She loves to write noir stories with complex characters and twisted plots.
  4. The classic noir films of the 1940s and 50s are still popular today.
  5. The city streets were empty and silent, like something out of a noir movie.

Quotes

  • 'I love the moody, atmospheric feel of classic noir films.' - David Lynch
  • 'Film noir is not a genre.' - Robert Osborne
  • 'Noir is about losers.' - John Carpenter

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