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
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
While cities like Asheville are the darlings of western North Carolina, the small towns that dot the mountains serve as the heartbeat.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 June 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
Elsewhere in the interview, Brunson reflected on her ascent from beloved online personality to Hollywood darling and the publicity that comes with it — for better or worse.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
While cities like Asheville are the darlings of western North Carolina, the small towns that dot the mountains serve as the heartbeat.
—Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for darling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for darling
Adjective
-
This adorable little pod coffee maker is the best for espresso.—
Scott Gilbertson,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
-
Over the years, everyone from her brothers Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo to her parents have shared glimpses into their adorable bond with their youngest family member.—
Alexandra Schonfeld,
People.com,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Those dropshots are delightful toppings to the dessert collection of sweet spot strokes in Alcaraz’s armory.—
Tim Ellis,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
What began with her apprehension about how the kitten would adapt quickly turned into a delightful surprise.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The bar just off the lobby serves light snacks and lunch favorites like burgers and sandwiches, along with cocktails, beer, and wine.—
Hannah Freedman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 July 2025
-
The Netflix movie features a lot of fan favorites, including Tamela Mann as Cora.—
Jane LaCroix,
People.com,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
The couple were childhood sweethearts, and Cardoso has a photo with Jota on her Instagram from 2013.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 July 2025
-
Her parents, Robert and Colleen Callahan, both 72, were high school sweethearts who have been married for 51 years.—
Kristen Jordan Shamus,
Freep.com,
3 July 2025
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, fantasy buffs can marvel at beloved landmarks like Bag End and The Shire’s Rest during the Middle‑earth Halfling Marathon, a March 2026 event that takes place across the Hobbiton Movie Set.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
The beach is a lovely place to camp out and wade while watching brave souls barrel-ride hundreds of feet across the sea, and it’s also conveniently located on the edge of the Puerto Viejo beach town, meaning there are plenty of amenities nearby, including the beloved Lazy Mon beach bar.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
And that, dear reader, might be the funniest line of the night.—
Daniel Brown,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
That particular chapter, dear readers, has yet to be written.—
Dave Nemetz,
TVLine,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Both characters experience some amusingly embarrassing scenes as Dan-bi explores her true talent, yet Forbidden Fairytale is ultimately a sweet love story.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
-
Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Fort Collins, this sweet event also includes live music, food and drinks — including, of course, peach cocktails.—
Sarah Kuta,
Denver Post,
7 July 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 20 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share