stygian

adjective

ˈsti-j(ē-)ən How to pronounce stygian (audio)
Definition of stygiannext
as in darkened
being without light or without much light lost in the stygian reaches of the deep forest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 stygian On the credit side of the ledger, the stygian interior decor is brightened at night by the neonesque instrument and secondary-control lighting—blue and red—and the cabin is commendably quiet at most operating speeds. — Tony Swan, Car and Driver, 3 June 2023 In the last half of 1934, glimmers of daylight peaked through the stygian blackness and, and 1935, the downward trajectory began to reverse itself and tick upward. — Thomas Doherty, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Mar. 2023 Predators that eat the banana-sized birds include peregrine falcons, stygian owls and arboreal snakes. — Jill Langlois, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023 Did this rodent revenant cross a stygian void to haunt us yet again? — Jon Chesto, BostonGlobe.com, 26 Dec. 2022 Streaks should start cutting through the stygian sky starting at midnight. — Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, 11 Aug. 2021 When his tiny friend Trinket devises a scheme for their escape from the orphanage, Arthur embarks on a quest through a wild wood and into the stygian corridors of a subterranean city to solve the mystery of his origins. — Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, 29 Sep. 2017 After a five-minute ride through the stygian darkness, the barge eases up to a low dock. — Wayne Curtis, WIRED, 30 May 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stygian
  1. darkened
  2. dark
  3. murky
  4. black
Adjective
  • This trend has been pretty pervasive among designer bags recently, with shoppers buying new Prada and Chanel bags with darkened leather to give them a used look, or sourcing vintage Celine bags with obvious signs of wear.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • She’s talked up her push to convert darkened streetlights, many of them stripped of their copper wire, to solar power.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
Definition of darkened
Adjective
  • On top of the moving-camera-foamy-dark-mouth challenge, there was the plaque challenge.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Finley’s breakout was the 2017 dark comedy Thoroughbreds, in which Olivia Cooke and Anya Taylor-Joy play high-schoolers conspiring to kill an abusive stepfather.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of dark
Adjective
  • The presence of Jacory Croskey-Merritt, deep sleeper Kaytron Allen and White may make the Commanders backfield murkier than the Reflecting Pool, but their roles are clearer than most suspect.
    — Brad Evans, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The situation is also murky for those living outside their favorite team’s region.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of murky
Adjective
  • In an appearance on Emma Grede’s Aspire podcast, Garner opted for a black, button-front vest styled with wide-leg, pleat-front trousers and a pair of pumps.
    — Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Shop the Patio Zen Deck Box in black or gray and choose from 16 capacities ranging from 30 to 320 gallons.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of black

Browse Nearby Words

sty
stygian
style
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Cite this Entry

“Stygian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stygian. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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