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

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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 pencil sign for the first or last day of school is both darling and so simple. — Ysolt Usigan, Woman's Day, 14 July 2022 Widen your horizons with a red Breton stripe, like this one with a darling bow toe at the back. — Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 2 May 2022
Noun
Artificial intelligence darling and retail investor favorite Nvidia also earned a spot on UBS’ list. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025 Not long ago, Tesla cars and the company that produces them were hailed as the emblem of environmental responsibility, and Elon Musk was the darling of the progressive left. — Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
  1. adorable
  2. delightful
  3. favorite
  4. sweetheart
  5. beloved
  6. dear
  7. sweet
  8. sweetie
Adjective
  • His fate changes when Jay (Jonathan Groff, going full on adorable) walks into a temple where Naveen’s praying charms the heck out of him.
    — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Butter Cabana Gloss looks like a real-life Barbie prop, all ready to make your pool day adorable.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of adorable
Adjective
  • Here are a few delightful spring activities to try in the next few weeks, from spotting migrant birds in your backyard to building your own container garden.
    — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 14 Mar. 2025
  • For the 19th-century Romantics, sublime referred not to something delightful—as it’s commonly used now— but to a sense of awe in nature inseparable from terror or danger.
    — Chloe Berge, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of delightful
Noun
  • Other fan favorites making a comeback include Stuggy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Vida Taco, Deddle’s Mini Donuts, The Local Fry, Rita’s Italian Ice, 7th Inning Sorbet and Boog’s BBQ.
    — Madisson Weyrich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Enjoy pub favorites including wings, flatbreads, burgers and sandwiches.
    — Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • On June 25, 2000, just as the window to call high-school players officially opened, Crean contacted Wade at the home of his high-school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches.
    — D. Watkins, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And in walks the dream of America’s sweetheart, Sandra Dee.
    — Alan Light, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of sweetheart
Adjective
  • In March, Chopra attended a preview performance of the beloved Jason Robert Brown musical, gushing about it on her Instagram page.
    — Dave Quinn, People.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • North, who was cast on the beloved CBS sitcom at only 6 years old, died on April 6 following a battle with cancer.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of beloved
Adjective
  • The essentials of the Frick’s renovation involve the big things dear to institutions and their architects: a near-doubling of space, an expansive shop, and a Danny Meyer café.
    — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Spring is here, dear Wilder, and there are so many beautiful places where that’s apparent.
    — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of dear
Adjective
  • A bit sweet from sugar, a bit acidic from vinegar, a bit spicy from hot sauce, and rounded out with neutral oil, this homemade vinaigrette recipe is the perfect all-purpose salad dressing.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Sarah Howlett, a mom of tween twins in Boulder, Colorado Lies that End Up Bringing Lasting Joy Finally, sometimes lies end up being enriching and unexpectedly sweet.
    — ​Wendy Wisner, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of sweet
Noun
  • But how about taking your sweetie to Hathor’s Festival of Love?
    — Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Nearly all sammies are eligible for the deal — just The Beast, 5 Meat Italian and the Garlic Roast Beef aren’t part of the discount — and the promo can be used once per order. Don’t forget about a sweet for your sweetie!
    — Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
Definition of sweetie

Browse Nearby Words

darksome
darling
darlingness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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