OpenSynonym

darn

/dɑːrn/

VERB

1. To express anger or annoyance mildly

To use a mild or euphemistic expression of damn, typically to show frustration, irritation, or disappointment.

1.1. Expressing frustration or annoyance

To utter a mild exclamation or curse expressing irritation, anger, or disappointment.

Synonyms

Examples

  • He darned under his breath when he realized he had missed the train.
  • She darned at the broken machine in frustration.

Related Words

VERB

2. To repair fabric by stitching

To mend a hole or worn area in fabric by weaving thread or yarn across the damaged section.

2.1. Mending holes in fabric

To repair damaged clothing or textiles by stitching thread or yarn over a hole or worn area.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • unsew

Examples

  • She learned to darn her socks instead of throwing them away.
  • He carefully darned the hole in his wool sweater.

Related Words

ADJECTIVE

3. Used as a mild intensifier

Used informally to emphasize an adjective or adverb, often as a milder substitute for damn.

3.1. Emphasizing a quality or condition

Used before an adjective or noun to add emphasis, often expressing annoyance, surprise, or strong feeling.

Synonyms

Examples

  • That darn computer keeps freezing.
  • It was a darn good performance.

Related Words

  • freaking
  • confounded
  • cursed

ADVERB

4. Used to emphasize the degree of something

Used informally as an adverb to intensify an adjective or another adverb.

4.1. Intensifying an adjective or adverb

Used to mean very or extremely, adding emphasis to the quality or degree being described.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The movie was darn entertaining.
  • She was darn close to winning the competition.

Related Words

INTERJECTION

5. An exclamation expressing annoyance

A mild exclamation used to express frustration, irritation, surprise, or disappointment.

5.1. Expressing irritation or disappointment

An informal, mild exclamation used instead of a stronger swear word when something goes wrong or causes annoyance.

Synonyms

Examples

  • Darn, I forgot to bring my umbrella.
  • Darn! I can't believe I missed the bus again.

Related Words

  • gosh
  • cripes
  • darn it