WordLens

darken

1 of 1verb
/ˈdɑrkən/
Forms:darkens,darkening,darkened,darkened
1

to become darker in color or shade

  • As the storm clouds gathered, the sky began to darken, casting shadows over the landscape.
  • The room slowly darkened as the sun set, filling the space with a soft twilight.
  • With each passing hour, the bruises on her skin began to darken, indicating worsening injuries.
  • As night fell, the forest darkened, the trees blending together in the dim light.
Antonyms:
2

to make something less light in color, often turning it towards a darker shade

transitive
  • The storm clouds are currently darkening the sky.
  • Over time, the sun exposure has darkened the wooden furniture.
  • She darkened her hair color with a new dye.
  • The artist darkened the shadows in the painting for a more dramatic effect.
  • The chef darkened the sauce by adding a rich, flavorful ingredient.
Antonyms:
3

to diminish or stain the favorable qualities of something or cast doubt upon it

transitive
  • The scandal darkened his once-spotless reputation, leaving him ostracized by his peers.
  • The controversial decision darkened the company's public image, leading to a loss of consumer trust.
  • His criminal record darkened his prospects for finding employment, despite his qualifications and skills.
  • The unfortunate incident darkened the town's reputation, tarnishing its image as a safe and welcoming community.
  • The scandalous revelation darkened her family's name, causing embarrassment and shame among relatives.