Synonyms

darkness

American

[dahrk-nis] / ˈdɑrk nɪs /

noun

the state or quality of being dark.

The room was in total darkness.
absence or deficiency of light.

the darkness of night.
wickedness or evil.

Satan, the prince of darkness.
obscurity; concealment.

The darkness of the metaphor destroyed its effectiveness.
lack of knowledge or enlightenment.

heathen darkness.
lack of sight; blindness.

Other Word Forms

predarkness noun

Etymology

Origin of darkness

First recorded before 1050; Middle English derknesse, Old English deorcnysse; equivalent to dark + -ness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Once, he recalls, as he was approaching a mine using sonar, another object appeared on his screen, moving slowly through the darkness.

From BBC

He would not be there to comfort them if darkness came, and the thought cut through him.

From Literature

I rush down the steps and hurry out onto the lawn, scanning the darkness for the pencil of a figure that is my brother.

From Literature

Reflecting his deep interest in religion and spirituality, above the door is inscribed the prayer: "Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord."

From BBC

But when the game starts, it’s hard to fend off the darkness.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023