DARK HORSE Synonyms: 50 Similar and Opposite Words

dark horse

noun

Definition of dark horse

as in stalking horse

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

as in long shot

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

sure thing

Example 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 horse Bo Nix is also back healthy for a Broncos team that looks improved on paper, and Joe Burrow has returned to lead Cincinnati, a popular dark horse pick in the AFC. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 Canales’ acknowledgement of Reed’s ability to play all three wide receiver positions is probably the best endorsement a dark horse can receive during the first week of camp. — Mike Kaye august 5, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2026 Daniel Jones is also noted as a dark horse for this significant award. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Speedy Ethan Bonner, the third-year player, is a dark horse starting candidate. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark horse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse

Noun

The filing also mentions a stalking horse bidder that may be connected to camp families and alumnae, though the identity and purchase price were not yet disclosed.

— Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026
The Dania Beach headquarters campus that once served as the nerve center of now-defunct Spirit Airlines has been sold to a Boston hedge fund that served as the stalking horse bidder in a bankruptcy court auction.

— David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of stalking horse

Noun

But Harvie, a former high school social studies teacher and county commissioner, is still a long shot to win.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Even if success is a long shot, human experimentation poses significant ethical questions over risks and benefits.

— Mike McRae October 21, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of long shot

Noun

Steve Spurrier was coming home; the favorite son, the Heisman Trophy winner, the coach who was about to change Florida football forever.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Sep. 2026
This is Southport's favorite son, and one of golf's most beloved figures because of his grace handling more tough losses than wins.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026

Definition of favorite son

Noun

Five Post Opinions staff members share which scary movies are their favorites.

— Washington Post Opinions, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
Three prominent names in contemporary Christian music join forces for a holiday concert, bringing together decades of Christmas music and familiar favorites.

— Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of favorite

Noun

Anthropic’s future — and that of its competitors — relies heavily on the availability of computing components to train its models and power AI chatbots and agents.

— Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
On a per-range basis, a customer will be able to buy a fourth-gen GM EV for less money than a competitor’s profitable model without relying on subsidies.

— Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of competitor

Noun

Dubai’s most high-profile AI champion, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai, also made an appearance on the opening day.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026
On the other side of the banquet table, Prince William sat between Oman’s crown prince, Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, and Omani chef Dina Macki.

— Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of crown prince

Noun

There’s something so unsettling about a game show where the contestants’ well-being is not considered, and The Tonight Show leaned into that uncanniness to great effect.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Other celebs to have been announced include Celebrity Traitors contestant Joe Lycett and the Sugababes.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of contestant

Noun

This contract marks Veolia’s entry into the full-scale carbon capture market and reinforces its commitment to accelerating industrial decarbonization and environmental security through innovative technology.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
Entry-level categories Speaking of footwear, shoes are emerging as a key category for luxury, offering an entry point for customers.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of entry

Browse Nearby Words

darkens

dark horse

dark horses

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of dark horse

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

wraith

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes