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
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Recent Examples of darling
Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Christine Dobby, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Olivia Troye is latest anti-Trump media darling to run for office in 2026 midterms.
—FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Adjective
Sandy Liang graced us with so much darling fashion inspo, including fluffy heels that look like bunny slippers.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Cozy floral lanterns are a darling way to spruce up your backyard, patio, or even kitchen table.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
By the Numbers Kraken Robotics (not that Kraken, cryptoheads) has emerged as a new darling in Canadian defense technology.
—Christine Dobby, Bloomberg, 24 Apr. 2026
Olivia Troye is latest anti-Trump media darling to run for office in 2026 midterms.
—FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.—
Eleanor Nash
Updated May 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
-
Skeletal remains are air-dried, processed and returned to loved ones as powder in an urn or shaped as stones.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
This adorable tank top is extremely breathable and lightweight, featuring a ruffle trim along the shoulders and neckline.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The New Girl alum, 46, posted an Instagram carousel, including adorable photos of her and Scott together.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
In this delightful piece of armchair naturalism, Henion’s goal is to change our vilification of darkness, to see it instead as a restorative balm, and to stoke curiosity about nocturnal landscapes and creatures.—
The Know,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
-
For a stay near the center of the action, book a room at the Lady Grace Inn, a Victorian-style bed-and-breakfast with a delightful English high tea.—
Taryn White,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Flagg and Knueppel traded places as betting favorites during the season, but Flagg’s 96-point outburst over two games on the second-to-last weekend might have tipped the scales.—
Schuyler Dixon,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Lines to see the fan favorites — Griner, second-year guard Saniya Rivers, former UConn star Aaliyah Edwards — wrapped around the length of the court for nearly an hour.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The pair were high school sweethearts who married in September 2024, according to a wedding registry.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The original design featured a straight-across neckline, which Jaden chose to soften into a sweetheart to complement her petite frame.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
That looks like a straight between the subscribers and young Wilfred, who was left cursing his beloved Palace for conceding that stoppage-time goal at Anfield, denying him a precious four-pointer.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
And her performance here feels more like an evolution of a beloved character rather than empty fan service.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
From then on, the storytelling goes slack and perfunctory as sharks swarm and chomp on passengers and crew clinging for dear lives on rafts or slabs of plane wreckage.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Mark Mardini became a dear friend.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Ali Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos' daughter Elliott posed for a sweet shot with her dad before heading off to prom on June 2, 2021.—
Lindy Segal,
PEOPLE,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Use dark or bittersweet chocolate for a more intense, less sweet chocolaty finish.—
Erin Merhar,
Southern Living,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Darling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/darling. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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