DARKEN Synonyms: 131 Similar and Opposite Words

darken

verb

ˈdär-kən

Definition of darken

as in to frown

to take on a gloomy or forbidding look his face slowly darkened as we told him the sad news

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to fade

to grow dark the sky darkened as a storm moved in

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to obscure

to make dark, dim, or indistinct years of accumulated grime have darkened the painting until it can barely be seen

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to mar

to affect slightly with something morally bad or undesirable the scandal darkened his otherwise sterling reputation

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 darken Moonrise will take place across North America in blue hour, when the sky is darkening but still retains color — perfect timing. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Experts warn the vast basin, fed by the murky Tidal Basin and darkened by new paint that warms the water, may never stay algae-free without more drastic measures. — Katie Vogel, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026 Its most dramatic attack occurred last week, when hundreds of drones overwhelmed Moscow’s air defenses and hit refineries and storage tanks, sending up black plumes of smoke that darkened the sky. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026 And, if conditions are right, an early viewing of the northern lights may make an appearance since August is when Iceland’s skies typically begin to darken. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for darken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for darken

Verb

Judges generally frown on any major actions to change voting laws in the weeks before an election.

— Toluse Olorunnipa, The Atlantic, 4 July 2026
It is also frowned upon for the guests to help themselves to multiple servings without getting a cue from the host.

— Judith Martin, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Definition of frown

Verb

But rental business owners like Zhao observed that the rental prices have begun to slide as novelty surrounding these stunt-performing androids fades.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
The combination of hyaluronic and azelaic acid does wonders to fade dark spots, soothe redness, and deeply hydrate.

— Olivia Dubyak, InStyle, 30 June 2026

Definition of fade

Verb

While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.

— Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.

— Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026

Definition of obscure

Verb

The World Cup group stage was marred for fans whose experiences mirrored Ramroop’s, leading FIFA and third-party platforms like StubHub to point fingers at each other amid the fallout.

— Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 29 June 2026
His previous loan at Girona was marred by injuries, impacting his World Cup aspirations.

— Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of mar

Verb

Now, yes, staring at the ceiling long enough to draw you a diagram of the paint peeling.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 30 June 2026
In Taiwan, a student sitting for an entrance exam for a top medical school was discovered wearing smart glasses after proctors noticed the student staring oddly at the test, leading to an inspection that revealed the frame was emitting heat.

— John Liu, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Definition of stare

Verb

With minimal humidity, near-perfect clear-sky frequency and vast empty horizons, Namibia offers the kind of slow, immersive darkness that makes dusking feel less like a trend and more like a return to something ancient.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Its hours are from dawn to dusk every day of the year.

— Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 21 Oct. 2025

Definition of dusk

Verb

As Americans live longer and spend more years managing chronic illness, cognitive decline and complex healthcare needs, the traditional boundaries between estate planning, financial planning and healthcare planning are beginning to blur.

— John Samuels, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
Coleman, himself a musician, has intentionally blurred the lines between brewing and performance.

— J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026

Definition of blur

Verb

Whether they're getting greased after a Super Bowl or spoiling All-Star rosters, does any city's poles get as much attention as Philadelphia's?

— Matt Reigle OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026
Both suet and hummingbird nectar are very susceptible to spoiling from the heat.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Definition of spoil

Browse Nearby Words

dark ages

darken

darkened

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Style

“Darken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darken. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of darken

verb

Example Sentences

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