darling 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of darlingnext
1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention they poured gifts and affection on their darling child

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adorable
having qualities that tend to make one loved a darling child that any couple would want to adopt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in delightful
giving pleasure or contentment to the mind or senses what a darling set of dishes!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

darling

2 of 2

noun

ˈdär-liŋ How to pronounce darling (audio)
1
as in favorite
a person or thing that is preferred over others for a while that candidate was the darling of the news media and could do no wrong

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sweetheart
a person with whom one is in love anything you say, darling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 darling
Adjective
This floral number was just worn by Bella Hadid and is so darling for summer. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 19 July 2026 Take a look at the rest of our picks for more darling dresses for summer, all from Amazon. — Dena Ogden, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
Noun
On Saturday, Styles wore a look by past Fit Check profile subject Conner Ives, who, like Li, has become an industry darling. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 21 Oct. 2026 But the runway was just one of the many ways Saweetie transformed into a fashion darling of the week. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
  1. loved
  2. adorable
  3. delightful
  4. favorite
  5. sweetheart
  6. beloved
  7. dear
  8. sweet
Adjective
  • As investigators search for answers, a restaurant is stepping in to help grieving families and those with loved ones in the hospital.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Friends and loved ones are mourning the man who fell to his death Monday while riding a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.
    — Sarah Lynch Baldwin, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of loved
Adjective
  • Additionally, key highlights include new ponchos, Barefoot Dreams’ signature CozyChic hooded robe, with a new feminine rose motif running down its back, and an adorable headscarf.
    — Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The grocer is dropping a variety of adorable cookie racks that double as dessert trays.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • The orange zest added into the frosting adds a bit of brightness that punches up this delightful dessert.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Together the duo enjoy scaring themselves into a teeth-chattering but delightful evening.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of delightful
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
  • Goebbels interviewed Wessel’s grieving mother and wrote of Jaenichen and Wessel as childhood sweethearts, as though their story was from romance fiction.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Gregory's mother-in-law told The Telegraph the couple were school sweethearts who had been together for over 20 years.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • But many of us have buried our beloved pets in our yards beneath new trees as an alternative to cremation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
  • For this year’s show at Compton Verney, Cadogan has taken inspiration from British people who’ve written to her about losing beloved trees in their own gardens, or public spaces.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • As someone who works in a creative field, Pam counts several artists and designers as dear friends.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The outlet claimed he’s been concerned about his dear friend, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who vanished from the spotlight after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • One of the sweetest gestures during the Halloween season in Kansas City comes from one of the sweetest companies in town — Russell Stover.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • My sweet potato casserole recipe swaps the nuts for crispy, sweet-and-salty cornflakes—the marshmallows can stay.
    — Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of sweet

Browse Nearby Words

darksome
darling
darlingness
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Cite this Entry

“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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