Darkness can evoke a multitude of emotions, from mystery to fear. Using similes can help capture its many nuances, bringing it to life with vivid imagery and emotion.
In this article, you’ll find 33 creative similes for dark, each accompanied by a brief explanation and an example sentence. These similes offer alternative ways to convey the vastness and depth of darkness.
1. As dark as a moonless night
Meaning: This simile describes an absence of light, conveying complete darkness or emptiness.
In a Sentence: The forest was as dark as a moonless night, with only the sound of distant owls breaking the silence.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a shadow, as dark as the void.
2. As dark as a cave
Meaning: Refers to a thick, impenetrable darkness, similar to what one might experience in an unlit cave.
In a Sentence: The basement was as dark as a cave, and I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a tunnel, as dark as pitch.
3. As dark as the bottom of the ocean
Meaning: This simile emphasizes the profound and mysterious nature of darkness, much like the deep, lightless sea.
In a Sentence: The alley behind the building was as dark as the bottom of the ocean, with no sign of life.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a deep well, as dark as an abyss.
4. As dark as charcoal
Meaning: Compares darkness to the rich, dense color of charcoal, symbolizing something dense and heavy.
In a Sentence: Her mood turned as dark as charcoal when she heard the news.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as coal, as dark as ink.
5. As dark as a raven’s wing
Meaning: This simile connects darkness to the black feathers of a raven, symbolizing both beauty and mystery.
In a Sentence: The night sky was as dark as a raven’s wing, the stars barely visible.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a crow, as dark as onyx.
6. As dark as sin
Meaning: This simile conveys something morally wrong or corrupt, emphasizing an intense, almost unnatural darkness.
In a Sentence: The forest seemed as dark as sin, the trees twisted in eerie shapes.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as guilt, as dark as nightfall.
7. As dark as a starless sky
Meaning: Compares darkness to the absence of stars, creating a feeling of bleak emptiness.
In a Sentence: The storm clouds rolled in, and the sky became as dark as a starless night.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as twilight, as dark as dusk.
8. As dark as a wolf’s eyes
Meaning: This simile associates darkness with the mysterious and powerful gaze of a wolf, evoking both danger and allure.
In a Sentence: The forest at midnight felt as dark as a wolf’s eyes, its secrets hidden away.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as an owl’s gaze, as dark as night.
9. As dark as oil
Meaning: Refers to something dark and viscous, evoking the deep, rich blackness of oil.
In a Sentence: The shadow seemed as dark as oil, creeping along the walls.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as tar, as dark as ink.
10. As dark as death
Meaning: This simile evokes the ultimate fear and finality of death, representing an absolute and terrifying darkness.
In a Sentence: The cemetery was as dark as death, with the wind whispering through the trees.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a grave, as dark as the unknown.
11. As dark as pitch
Meaning: This simile refers to the thick, sticky darkness of tar, used to describe something impenetrable or oppressive.
In a Sentence: The night was as dark as pitch, making it hard to see the path ahead.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as midnight, as dark as ink.
12. As dark as soot
Meaning: Compares the color and feel of darkness to the fine black particles left by burning, symbolizing something dirty and thick.
In a Sentence: The chimney was as dark as soot, the air heavy with smoke.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as ash, as dark as coal.
13. As dark as a storm cloud
Meaning: This simile describes a darkness filled with potential danger or foreboding, similar to the ominous clouds before a storm.
In a Sentence: Her thoughts were as dark as a storm cloud, filled with dread about the upcoming meeting.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as thunder, as dark as a thunderhead.
14. As dark as the night
Meaning: The most straightforward simile, equating darkness to the absence of light during nighttime.
In a Sentence: His thoughts were as dark as the night, clouded with confusion.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as evening, as dark as midnight.
15. As dark as tar
Meaning: Similar to “as dark as pitch,” this simile emphasizes the thick, impenetrable nature of darkness.
In a Sentence: The road was as dark as tar, stretching endlessly ahead.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as ink, as dark as coal.
16. As dark as a black cat
Meaning: This simile links darkness to the deep black color of a cat, often associated with mystery and superstition.
In a Sentence: The alley was as dark as a black cat, with no streetlights to guide me.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a shadow, as dark as coal.
17. As dark as a tomb
Meaning: Represents an absolute and eerie darkness, akin to being inside a sealed tomb.
In a Sentence: The cellar was as dark as a tomb, with only the sound of dripping water breaking the silence.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a crypt, as dark as a grave.
18. As dark as a witch’s cloak
Meaning: This simile evokes a sense of mystery, danger, and the unknown, much like the classic image of a witch’s attire.
In a Sentence: The night around us felt as dark as a witch’s cloak, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a sorcerer’s robe, as dark as midnight.
19. As dark as a raven’s feather
Meaning: This simile evokes a natural, deep darkness, akin to the black feathers of a raven.
In a Sentence: The night sky was as dark as a raven’s feather, with only the faintest glimmer of stars.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as night, as dark as ink.
20. As dark as a shadow
Meaning: This simile suggests an elusive and fleeting darkness, much like the brief moments of shadow in the light.
In a Sentence: The room was as dark as a shadow, with no sunlight breaking through the curtains.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as dusk, as dark as a silhouette.
21. As dark as a prison cell
Meaning: This simile connects darkness to the oppressive and confining nature of a prison, evoking feelings of entrapment.
In a Sentence: The dungeon was as dark as a prison cell, suffocating and still.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a cave, as dark as a lock-up.
22. As dark as a deep pit
Meaning: Describes a suffocating and overwhelming type of darkness, similar to being trapped in an endless abyss.
In a Sentence: The pit below us was as dark as a deep pit, with no way to see the bottom.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a well, as dark as a bottomless void.
23. As dark as burnt toast
Meaning: A simile for darkness that evokes the charred and uninviting nature of something overcooked.
In a Sentence: His mood was as dark as burnt toast, and nothing could cheer him up.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as scorched bread, as dark as overcooked food.
24. As dark as nightfall
Meaning: Refers to the moment when day turns into night, emphasizing the transition to complete darkness.
In a Sentence: The forest grew as dark as nightfall, and the creatures began to stir.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as dusk, as dark as evening.
25. As dark as a shadowed corner
Meaning: This simile uses the imagery of an area hidden in shadow to describe an intense sense of darkness.
In a Sentence: The abandoned house felt as dark as a shadowed corner, full of hidden fears.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a crevice, as dark as a hidden nook.
26. As dark as a pitch-black room
Meaning: This simile conveys an extreme form of darkness, where not a hint of light can penetrate.
In a Sentence: The attic was as dark as a pitch-black room, and I couldn’t even find the stairs.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a cave, as dark as a blackout.
27. As dark as a blackened sky
Meaning: Evokes the idea of an ominous, threatening sky before a storm or eclipse, filled with heavy darkness.
In a Sentence: The sky grew as dark as a blackened sky, signaling the approach of a fierce storm.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a thunderstorm, as dark as an eclipse.
28. As dark as a forgotten tomb
Meaning: Suggests a depth of darkness linked to something old, abandoned, and forgotten.
In a Sentence: The old library was as dark as a forgotten tomb, the air thick with dust.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a crypt, as dark as a sealed vault.
29. As dark as a midnight sky
Meaning: A simile that associates darkness with the peak of night, when the world is most devoid of light.
In a Sentence: The valley below us was as dark as a midnight sky, and we couldn’t make out the shapes of the trees.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as the dead of night, as dark as the witching hour.
30. As dark as deep velvet
Meaning: This simile connects the smooth, luxurious texture of velvet with a rich, almost suffocating darkness.
In a Sentence: The night felt as dark as deep velvet, comforting but foreboding at the same time.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as deep silk, as dark as black satin.
31. As dark as a locked door
Meaning: Describes a darkness that is hidden, secret, and unable to be accessed, much like a closed-off space.
In a Sentence: The room was as dark as a locked door, keeping all its mysteries within.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a sealed chest, as dark as a hidden vault.
32. As dark as the inner recesses of the mind
Meaning: This simile draws on the metaphorical darkness within the human mind, often representing fear or uncertainty.
In a Sentence: His thoughts were as dark as the inner recesses of the mind, filled with doubts and regret.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as the subconscious, as dark as a hidden fear.
33. As dark as a stormy sea
Meaning: This simile conveys the uncontrollable and turbulent nature of darkness, comparable to a violent storm at sea.
In a Sentence: His feelings were as dark as a stormy sea, filled with waves of frustration.
Other Ways to Say: As dark as a raging ocean, as dark as a tempest.
MCQs
1. Which simile represents an absence of light, evoking complete darkness or emptiness?
a) As dark as a raven’s wing
b) As dark as a moonless night
c) As dark as a black cat
d) As dark as a shadow
Answer: b) As dark as a moonless night
2. What does the simile “As dark as a cave” convey?
a) A darkness filled with light
b) A thick, impenetrable darkness
c) A mysterious, beautiful darkness
d) A fleeting shadow
Answer: b) A thick, impenetrable darkness
3. Which of the following is a simile that associates darkness with the deep, mysterious ocean?
a) As dark as a starless sky
b) As dark as the bottom of the ocean
c) As dark as midnight
d) As dark as a raven’s feather
Answer: b) As dark as the bottom of the ocean
4. The simile “As dark as sin” is used to describe:
a) A light and airy darkness
b) Something morally wrong or corrupt
c) A peaceful and serene environment
d) A natural, physical darkness
Answer: b) Something morally wrong or corrupt
5. Which simile suggests an intense darkness, similar to what one might experience in a sealed, dark tomb?
a) As dark as a shadow
b) As dark as a tomb
c) As dark as a storm cloud
d) As dark as a prison cell
Answer: b) As dark as a tomb
6. What does the simile “As dark as burnt toast” represent?
a) A mystical or supernatural darkness
b) An oppressive and heavy darkness
c) A darkened mood or state of mind
d) A fleeting and temporary darkness
Answer: c) A darkened mood or state of mind
7. Which simile evokes the feeling of a deep, rich darkness, similar to the color of oil?
a) As dark as soot
b) As dark as oil
c) As dark as a raven’s wing
d) As dark as a wolf’s eyes
Answer: b) As dark as oil
8. “As dark as a blackened sky” is most similar to which of the following?
a) A darkness that comes with peace
b) A threatening and ominous darkness
c) A playful darkness filled with light
d) A warm and comforting darkness
Answer: b) A threatening and ominous darkness
9. The simile “As dark as a black cat” is often associated with:
a) Mystery and superstition
b) Peace and serenity
c) Natural beauty
d) A warm, inviting space
Answer: a) Mystery and superstition
10. Which simile describes a darkness that is overwhelming and suffocating, similar to being trapped in an abyss?
a) As dark as a deep pit
b) As dark as a raven’s feather
c) As dark as the night
d) As dark as a starless sky
Answer: a) As dark as a deep pit
11. The simile “As dark as a storm cloud” suggests:
a) A peaceful and clear night
b) A foreboding and dangerous darkness
c) A fleeting shadow
d) A gentle evening breeze
Answer: b) A foreboding and dangerous darkness
12. “As dark as a shadowed corner” conveys:
a) A brief, fleeting darkness
b) A darkness hidden from view, possibly full of secrets
c) A welcoming and safe environment
d) A peaceful moment of solitude
Answer: b) A darkness hidden from view, possibly full of secrets
13. What does the simile “As dark as a raven’s feather” evoke?
a) A deep, natural blackness
b) A pale and light color
c) A bright and shining light
d) A mystical, glittering darkness
Answer: a) A deep, natural blackness
14. The simile “As dark as a midnight sky” emphasizes:
a) A brief moment of shadow
b) A profound and absolute darkness
c) A bright, shining night
d) A light, pleasant evening
Answer: b) A profound and absolute darkness
15. “As dark as a pitch-black room” suggests:
a) A dark space with some light
b) A thick, impenetrable darkness
c) A space full of hidden surprises
d) A natural and calming darkness
Answer: b) A thick, impenetrable darkness
16. The simile “As dark as a witch’s cloak” evokes:
a) Warmth and comfort
b) A sense of mystery, danger, and the unknown
c) A bright, inviting light
d) A fleeting moment of happiness
Answer: b) A sense of mystery, danger, and the unknown
17. What does the simile “As dark as a tomb” convey?
a) A deep, almost suffocating darkness
b) A playful shadow
c) A mysterious and fleeting darkness
d) A warm, inviting darkness
Answer: a) A deep, almost suffocating darkness
18. “As dark as the inner recesses of the mind” is used to describe:
a) A bright and calm thought
b) The depth of hidden thoughts and fears
c) A moment of peace
d) A temporary feeling of sadness
Answer: b) The depth of hidden thoughts and fears
19. “As dark as a prison cell” suggests:
a) A peaceful environment
b) A confined and oppressive darkness
c) A fleeting moment of discomfort
d) A joyous and freeing experience
Answer: b) A confined and oppressive darkness
20. Which of these similes is most associated with something ancient, abandoned, and forgotten?
a) As dark as a forgotten tomb
b) As dark as a stormy sea
c) As dark as a shadowed corner
d) As dark as a midnight sky
Answer: a) As dark as a forgotten tomb
Conclusion
Similes are powerful tools for describing the concept of darkness in a vivid and imaginative way. The 33 similes listed in this article offer a wide range of expressions, from those that evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding to those that represent an oppressive or unsettling absence of light.
By using these creative comparisons, we can bring the abstract idea of darkness to life, allowing us to communicate its many emotional and visual nuances more effectively. Whether you’re writing a story, a poem, or simply want to convey a mood, these similes can help you paint a more evocative picture.
