dark horse

noun

Definition of dark horsenext
1
as in stalking horse

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in long shot

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 dark horse Speedy Ethan Bonner, the third-year player, is a dark horse starting candidate. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026 But the Idaho cyclist heads into this year’s tour as a wild card and a popular dark horse pick after a hectic start to the 2026 season. — Idaho Statesman, 30 June 2026 However, Norway is a worthy dark horse — not only in the match itself, but the entire tournament. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2026 Dark horses Germany Four-time World Cup winner Germany is listed as a dark horse primarily because of its subpar performances since winning the title in 2014, with the team failing to progress from the group stage in both 2018 and 2022. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark horse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dark horse
  1. stalking horse
  2. long shot
  3. favorite son
  4. favorite
  5. competitor
  6. crown prince
  7. contestant
  8. entry
Noun
  • The Dania Beach headquarters campus that once served as the nerve center of now-defunct Spirit Airlines has been sold to a Boston hedge fund that served as the stalking horse bidder in a bankruptcy court auction.
    — David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Markets may be used as stalking horses to extract more from other markets.
    — Maury Brown, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of stalking horse
Noun
  • But Cigar, at odds of 1-10, got caught up in a speed duel and wound up losing to a 39-1 long shot named Dare and Go.
    — Jay Posner, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Getty Images Record of the Year is one possibility, but that seems like a true long shot.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of long shot
Noun
  • This is Southport's favorite son, and one of golf's most beloved figures because of his grace handling more tough losses than wins.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
  • Fort Worth’s favorite son is releasing a new album this fall.
    — Brayden Garcia July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
Definition of favorite son
Noun
  • The customer favorite is forged from iron, polypropylene, and wood, and provides a haven from wind, rain, and sun.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The sound of the new album is lush and emotional, which Louris sees as an echo of the pop melodies of an earlier record, 1997’s Sound of Lies, a longtime fan favorite.
    — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of favorite
Noun
  • But Patel observed that many of the robotic competitors were still being teleoperated by human operators who directly controlled the robots’ actions.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026
  • That is 35 films the two studios are already planning as independent competitors before any merger occurs.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of competitor
Noun
  • Trump suggested that his conversation with the Saudi crown prince weighed heavily in his decision to halt his plans to carry out strikes on Iran.
    — Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Saudi crown prince spoke to Trump, a White House official told Reuters, but did not provide details.
    — Yasmine Ghania, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of crown prince
Noun
  • Fifty-one contestants — one representative from each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia — vied for the crown.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Brandi is a successful podcaster, co-hosting Your Favorite Things with Wells Adams (former Bachelorette contestant and husband of actress Sarah Hyland).
    — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of contestant
Noun
  • And despite the high barrier to entry for non-aerospace businesses, new companies are getting in on the action.
    — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Jordan’s Ferrari represents Joopiter’s entry into the surging high-end collector-car market.
    — Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of entry

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Cite this Entry

“Dark horse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dark%20horse. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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