Shobdo Logo
MW→dark

dark

Flag: gbEnglishMerriam-Webster Dictionary
dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)

dark
adjective
ˈdärk
dark​er; dark​est

Definition (Entry 1 of 3)

  • devoid or partially devoid of light not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light //a dark room
    transmitting only a portion of light //dark glasses
  • wholly or partially black //dark clothing
    of a color of low or very low lightness //dark blue
    being less light in color than other substances of the same kind //dark rum
  • arising from or showing evil traits or desires evil //the dark powers that lead to war
    dismal, gloomy //had a dark view of the future
    lacking knowledge or culture unenlightened //a dark period in history
    relating to grim or depressing circumstances //dark humor
  • not clear to the understanding
    not known or explored because of remoteness //the darkest reaches of space
  • intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation not light or fair //dark hair //a dark complexion
  • secret //kept his plans dark
  • possessing depth and richness //a dark voice
  • closed to the public //the theater is dark in the summer
noun

Definition (Entry 2 of 3)

  • a place or time of little or no light night, nightfall //get home before dark
    absence of light darkness //afraid of the dark
  • a color of low or very low lightness a dark or deep color —usually plural //a painter who uses a lot of darks
    darks plural clothing that is dark in color //separated the darks and the lights before starting the laundry
  • in ​the ​dark
    • in secrecy //most of his dealings were done in the dark
    • in ignorance //kept the public in the dark about the agreement
  • go ​dark
    • to become dark //The room suddenly went dark.
    • to stop operating or functioning to shut down //Most Salt Lake City restaurants go dark on Sundays … — Kurt Repanshek //Andy Beal was one of 220 million subscribers to Skype … who saw the service go dark on Aug. 16. — Stephen Baker //In the end, the heart stops, the cells die, the neurons go dark … — Joshua Ferris
      communications to stop broadcasting or transmitting to go offline //… Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the Army's 4th Infantry Division ordered his men to "go dark" and roll their Humvees up to the edge of a lone farmhouse here. — William Booth
verb
darked; dark​ing; darks

Definition (Entry 3 of 3)

Other Words
Adjective
  • dark​ish ˈdär-kish adjective
  • dark​ly adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms: Adjective
black caliginous darkened darkish darkling darksome dim dimmed dusk dusky gloomy lightless murky obscure obscured pitch-black pitch-dark pitchy rayless somber (or sombre) stygian tenebrific tenebrous unlit
Synonyms: Noun
black blackness candlelight darkness dusk gloaming gloom murk night semidarkness shade shadows twilight umbra
Antonyms: Adjective
bright brightened brilliant illuminated illumined light lit (or lighted) lightsome lucent lucid luminous
Antonyms: Noun
blaze brightness brilliance day daylight glare glow light lightness
Examples
Adjective
  • //She sat in the dark room alone.
  • //Soon it will be dark enough to see the stars.
  • //It was a dark and stormy night.
  • //Dark clouds of smoke were coming from the windows.
  • //She's wearing a dark suit to the interview.
  • //a man wearing dark clothing
  • //You've got dark circles under your eyes this morning.
  • //dark spots on the skin
Noun
  • //He's 12 years old and still afraid of the dark.
  • //The burglars hid in the dark between the two buildings.
  • //He bought the kids special rings that glow in the dark.
  • //We'd better get home before dark.
  • //They waited until after dark to begin their escape.
  • //He uses lots of darks in his decorating.
  • //Wash the lights and the darks separately.
First Known Use
Adjective
before 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
History and Etymology
Adjective, Noun, and Verb
Middle English derk, from Old English deorc; akin to Old High German tarchannen to hide
dark
adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 2 of 2)