DARK Synonyms: 652 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'dark' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous , cryptic , enigmatic , equivocal , obscure , and vague . While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion. // muttered dark hints of revenge

Q: In what contexts can 'ambiguous' take the place of 'dark'?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation. // an ambiguous directive

Q: When might 'cryptic' be a better fit than 'dark'?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark , cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning. // cryptic hints of hidden treasure

Q: When could 'enigmatic' be used to replace 'dark'?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality. // enigmatic occult writings

Q: When can 'equivocal' be used instead of 'dark'?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading. // moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

Q: When is 'obscure' a more appropriate choice than 'dark'?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge. // obscure poems

Q: When would 'vague' be a good substitute for 'dark'?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration. // a vague sense of obligation

dark 1 of 2

adjective

ˈdärk

Definition of dark next

as in darkened

being without light or without much light a dark alley that most people wisely avoided

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in black

not having a light complexion he was tall, dark, and handsome

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as in bleak

causing or marked by an atmosphere lacking in cheer her mind was filled with dark thoughts until the results of the medical test came back as negative

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as in silent

given to keeping one's activities hidden from public observation or knowledge the actor was always quite dark about his life before his arrival in Hollywood

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as in ambiguous

having an often intentionally veiled or uncertain meaning the superhero was not daunted by the villain's dark threats

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as in ignorant

lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books is known as a dark period in European history when people lived in ignorance, fear, and want

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as in evil

not conforming to a high moral standard; morally unacceptable dark deeds that resulted in the Russian czar being known to history as Ivan the Terrible

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dark

2 of 2

noun

as in shadows

a time or place of little or no light I have a bad habit of running into tables in the dark

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as in night

the time from sunset to sunrise when there is no visible sunlight we were going to wait until dark to go trick-or-treating

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dark different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of dark are ambiguous, cryptic, enigmatic, equivocal, obscure, and vague. While all these words mean "not clearly understandable," dark implies an imperfect or clouded revelation often with ominous or sinister suggestion.

muttered dark hints of revenge

In what contexts can ambiguous take the place of dark?

The meanings of ambiguous and dark largely overlap; however, ambiguous applies to language capable of more than one interpretation.

an ambiguous directive

When might cryptic be a better fit than dark?

While in some cases nearly identical to dark, cryptic implies a purposely concealed meaning.

cryptic hints of hidden treasure

When could enigmatic be used to replace dark?

The synonyms enigmatic and dark are sometimes interchangeable, but enigmatic stresses a puzzling, mystifying quality.

enigmatic occult writings

When can equivocal be used instead of dark?

The words equivocal and dark are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, equivocal applies to language left open to differing interpretations with the intention of deceiving or evading.

moral precepts with equivocal phrasing

When is obscure a more appropriate choice than dark?

In some situations, the words obscure and dark are roughly equivalent. However, obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge.

obscure poems

When would vague be a good substitute for dark?

While the synonyms vague and dark are close in meaning, vague implies a lack of clear formulation due to inadequate conception or consideration.

a vague sense of obligation

Examples 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 dark

Adjective

This can be advantageous to scientists, though, as spotting a bright feature on Mercury's dark surface indicates a region where lighter material has recently been carried to the planet's surface. —

Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2025 According to the expert, any version of a rich red or a darker hue is a surefire win on the lips. —

Laura Solla, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

The bold design is completed with hands and hour markers colored in two shades of blue, one dark and one light, with the lighter shade coloring the crown molding. —

Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Lights go on at dark and go off at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. —

John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dark

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark

Adjective

Proenza Schouler black mesh bag; proenzaschouler.com.

— Daniel Arnold, Vogue, 14 Jan. 2025
Officers searched the vehicles and found: black Nike nylon gloves, a black ski mask and three large Amazon freight tote bags and black t-shirts.

— John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025