1
as in loved
granted special treatment or attention
they poured gifts and affection on their darling child
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 27 Dec. 2022
This pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple.
—Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers have become a darling of the NFL and the proof was when their schedule was released.
—Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
The actor, 35, took to Instagram on Monday to share a tribute to the darling little girl.
—Marisa Sullivan, Peoplemag, 27 Dec. 2022
This pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple.
—Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022
Noun
There’s much more to know about this darling of the lily family, a high-brow and healthy spring delight with some quirky traits and a lengthy lineage.
—Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025
The Los Angeles Chargers have become a darling of the NFL and the proof was when their schedule was released.
—Jay Paris, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
In the comment section, fans, along with Moore's celebrity friends, couldn't get over the adorable images.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
4 June 2025
-
Sienna, 8, wore her hair in adorable pigtails while Ciara wore a middle part with loose curls pulled back.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
4 June 2025
Adjective
-
While the absurd shenanigans are fun, the real joy is watching a delightful del Toro and refreshing Threapleton navigating the oddly heartfelt family reconnection.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
5 June 2025
-
Barack Obama is the most unbelievably delightful man.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
The consistent betting favorite to win the 2025 WWE women’s Money in the Bank match is, in fact, Naomi, who just so happens to be the best choice, too.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
This cookie, made with a deliciously crispy exterior of cornflakes, has a perfectly sweet interior thanks to maraschino cherries—a forever childhood favorite.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
The Federal Trade Commission voted to dismiss a lawsuit filed in the last days of the Biden administration that accused PepsiCo of offering sweetheart pricing to big retailers.—
Rich Bellis,
NBC news,
22 May 2025
-
And the Aman holds sentimental value for Djokovic, who married his childhood sweetheart, Jelena Ristic, at the Aman Sveti Stefan in Montenegro in 2014.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Footwear News,
21 May 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, concerns have resurfaced and grown after a beloved teacher died this past fall and another teacher was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
5 June 2025
-
The beloved actor died from cardiac arrest, according to a death certificate released by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and obtained by TMZ.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
5 June 2025
Adjective
-
And be sure to check out our outstanding Father's Day Gift Guide for more ideas on what to get your dear old dad.—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
3 June 2025
-
And which gladly includes two very favored domains, e.g., the close and dear cousins of psychology and physics.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Adjective
-
In reality, Biel and Banks have sweet relationships of their own, with husbands Justin Timberlake and Max Handelman, respectively Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks star as twisted sisters in the mysterious thriller, The Better Sister.—
Caroline Blair,
People.com,
31 May 2025
-
Satisfy savory or sweet cravings with avocado toast or pastries, and grab a Reuben panini for the road.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Yes, sweetie, the nail magicians at Chillhouse have delivered a dreamy gua sha tool that's just as satisfying for your muscles as their tips are for your fingers.—
Allure,
Allure,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The actor posted sweetie pictures of his three fictional children, leaving out, well, his wife, played by Parker Posey.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share