darkens
/ˈdɑːrkənz/
VERB
1. To make something darker by reducing light
To reduce the amount of light in a place or make something less illuminated.
1.1. Reducing illumination
Making a room, area, or object darker by reducing the amount of light reaching it.
Synonyms
- dims
- bedims
- blackens
Antonyms
- brightens
- illuminates
- lights
- lightens
Examples
- Heavy curtains darken the room during the day.
Related Words
- shades
- shadows
- screens
VERB
2. To become dark or darker
To gradually lose brightness or become less illuminated.
2.1. Losing brightness
Becoming darker as natural or artificial light decreases.
Synonyms
- dims
- blackens
- dusks
Antonyms
- brightens
- glows
- shines
Examples
- The room darkens as the lights are switched off.
Related Words
- wanes
- shadows
- glooms
2.2. The sky becoming dark
The sky gradually losing its brightness in the evening or becoming darker because of clouds.
Synonyms
- clouds
- overcasts
- dusks
Antonyms
- brightens
- dawns
- clears up
Examples
- As the evening approaches, the sky darkens.
- The storm clouds gather and the sky darkens ominously.
Related Words
- clouds over
- overclouds
- shadows
VERB
3. To make or become darker in color
To change the color of something by making it darker, or to become darker in appearance.
3.1. Making a color darker
Changing the color or shade of an object or material to a darker tone.
Synonyms
- blackens
- colors
- discolors
Antonyms
- brightens
- lightens
- whitens
Examples
- The stain darkens the wood's natural color.
Related Words
- paints
- dyes
- stains
- tints
VERB
4. To make or become gloomy in mood
To cause a mood or emotional state to become sad, gloomy, or less hopeful, or to develop such a mood.
4.1. A mood becoming gloomy
A person's emotional state becoming increasingly sad, serious, or gloomy.
Synonyms
- glooms
- mopes
- broods
- sulks
Antonyms
- brightens
- uplifts
Examples
- His mood darkens whenever he speaks about his past.
Related Words
- frowns
- scowls
- glowers
- pouts
4.2. A situation becoming ominous
A situation or outlook becoming increasingly troubling, threatening, or pessimistic.
Synonyms
- menaces
- threatens
- glooms
Antonyms
- brightens
- uplifts
Examples
- The situation darkens as more information comes to light.
Related Words
- clouds
- overshadows
- lowers
VERB
5. To impair eyesight or obscure understanding
To interfere with clear vision or make something difficult to see, understand, or interpret.
5.1. Obscuring or confusing
Making information, meaning, or understanding less clear by concealing or confusing it.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- clarifies
- illuminates
- reveals
- exposes
Examples
- Conflicting accounts darken the truth and make the situation harder to understand.
Related Words
VERB
6. To make something foul or tarnish it
To damage the condition, purity, or reputation of something by staining, polluting, or bringing it into disrepute.
6.1. Damaging a reputation
Making someone's reputation or standing worse through disgraceful or discreditable actions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dignifies
- elevates
- ennobles
- glorifies
Related Words
6.2. Staining or contaminating
Making something dirty, impure, or damaged by applying a stain or introducing something harmful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- cleanses
- purifies
Related Words
- smears
- smirches
- soils
- stains
- blemishes