Similes for Dark help us describe the depth, mystery, and emotion of darkness in vivid and imaginative ways. Instead of simply saying “it was dark,” a simile for dark, like as dark as midnight or as dark as a closed coffin, brings the scene to life with intensity. This guide explores the most expressive, as dark as simile examples, and answers the question, as dark as what?
If you’re setting a spooky mood, describing the night sky, or expressing deep emotions, these similes for dark add richness and atmosphere to your writing.
From shadows to sorrow, discover comparisons that turn darkness into a powerful storytelling tool. Use these dark similes to deepen imagery, build suspense, or evoke emotion with precision and style.
As Dark as Simile Examples
These similes for dark use vivid comparisons to bring shadows, mystery, or mood to life. Each as dark as simile example helps you describe darkness with precision and emotion.
1. As dark as a raven’s wing
- Meaning: That as dark as simile sentence refers to something completely black, as dark as a raven’s glossy feathers.
- Example Sentences:
- “The night was as dark as a raven’s wing, with no stars to light the sky.”
- “The room grew as dark as a raven’s wing when the power went out.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as midnight 🕛
- As dark as coal ⚫
2. As dark as the inside of a tomb
- Meaning: That simile for dark implies total darkness, like a sealed tomb that doesn’t allow light.
- Example Sentences:
- “The basement was as dark as the inside of a tomb, and I couldn’t see anything.”
- “Her thoughts were as dark as the inside of a tomb, full of hidden fears.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a cave 🦇
- As dark as pitch ⚫
3. As dark as night
- Meaning: That simile for dark describes something very dark, like the night sky.
- Example Sentences:
- “His mood was as dark as night after hearing the news.”
- “The forest at midnight was as dark as night, with no light visible for miles.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the moonless sky 🌑
- As dark as the abyss 🌌
For more expressive comparisons, check out our detailed guide on Similes for Silence to enrich your writing with vivid and creative examples.
4. As dark as a black hole
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to an extreme, impenetrable darkness, like a black hole in space.
- Example Sentences:
- “The cave was as dark as a black hole; I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face.”
- “His thoughts were as dark as a black hole, pulling him deeper into despair.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a void 🌑
- As dark as a shadow 🌑
5. As dark as soot
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to a very deep, black color, like soot that comes from fire.
- Example Sentences:
- “The chimney was covered in a layer as dark as soot.”
- “Her coat was as dark as soot after the long walk through the storm.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as ink 🖋️
- As dark as burnt wood 🔥
6. As dark as the deepest ocean
- Meaning: A deep, impenetrable darkness, like the ocean’s depths where no light reaches.
- Example Sentences:
- “The night felt as dark as the deepest ocean, with not a single star in sight.”
- “Her thoughts were as dark as the deepest ocean, full of mysteries and unknown fears.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the abyss 🌊
- As dark as the ocean floor 🌊
7. As dark as a shadow
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to something dark and elusive, like a shadow that is hard to define.
- Example Sentences:
- “The alleyway was as dark as a shadow, making me feel uneasy.”
- “His secret was as dark as a shadow, hidden from everyone.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as an eclipse 🌑
- As dark as a ghost 👻
8. As dark as pitch
- Meaning: Very dark, like tar or pitch, which is black and sticky.
- Example Sentences:
- “The forest was as dark as pitch, with only the sounds of creatures around us.”
- “Her heart was as dark as pitch, filled with bitterness and anger.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as charcoal 🔥
- As dark as a burnt match 🕯️
As Dark As What?
If you’re wondering as dark as what? These similes for dark offer powerful, unique ideas. Find as dark as simile comparisons that capture mood, mystery, or fear.
9. As dark as a stormy night
- Meaning: That simile for dark implies an intense, turbulent kind of darkness, like a stormy night.
- Example Sentences:
- “The sky turned as dark as a stormy night just before the heavy rain began.”
- “His mood was as dark as a stormy night, with no calm in sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a thundercloud 🌩️
- As dark as midnight clouds ☁️
10. As dark as a burnt-out lightbulb
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to something completely devoid of light, like a burnt-out bulb.
- Example Sentences:
- “The room was as dark as a burnt-out lightbulb, not a single spark of light left.”
- “Her expression was as dark as a burnt-out lightbulb, no emotion showing at all.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a closed room 🚪
- As dark as a blackout ⚫
If you want to explore more vivid expressions, don’t miss our full list of Similes for Scared to help you describe fear with powerful comparisons.
11. As dark as a crow’s feather
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to a rich, deep black color, much like a crow’s glossy feathers.
- Example Sentences:
- “The sky was as dark as a crow’s feather, with the moon hidden behind thick clouds.”
- “Her hair was as dark as a crow’s feather, shining in the low light.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as coal ⚫
- As dark as ink 🖋️
12. As dark as a midnight sky
- Meaning: Refers to the deep, inky black of the sky at midnight when it’s void of light.
- Example Sentences:
- “The hallway was as dark as a midnight sky, not a glimmer of light in sight.”
- “The night felt as dark as a midnight sky, full of mystery and unease.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the moonless sky 🌑
- As dark as a starless night ✨
13. As dark as a foggy night
- Meaning: That simile for dark describes a dim and obscured darkness, much like fog that hinders visibility.
- Example Sentences:
- “The road ahead was as dark as a foggy night, with only shadows visible.”
- “His mood was as dark as a foggy night, clouded with uncertainty.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a mist 🌫️
- As dark as a twilight haze 🌫️
14. As dark as a wolf’s eyes
- Meaning: A deep, mysterious dark, akin to the intense gaze of a wolf’s eyes in the night.
- Example Sentences:
- “The forest was as dark as a wolf’s eyes, with a sense of danger in the air.”
- “Her gaze was as dark as a wolf’s eyes, filled with secrets and intent.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a panther’s stare 🐆
- As dark as the night in the wild 🌑
15. As dark as the bottom of the ocean
- Meaning: A deep, unfathomable darkness, like the deepest parts of the ocean.
- Example Sentences:
- “The cave felt as dark as the bottom of the ocean, where no light could penetrate.”
- “His thoughts were as dark as the bottom of the ocean, swirling with hidden feelings.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the abyss 🌊
- As dark as the ocean depths 🌊
16. As dark as a storm cloud
- Meaning: A threatening, ominous kind of darkness, like the heavy clouds before a storm.
- Example Sentences:
- “The sky turned as dark as a storm cloud, signaling the coming rain.”
- “Her mood was as dark as a storm cloud, full of anger and frustration.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as thunderclouds 🌩️
- As dark as a brewing storm ⛈️
Common Similes for Dark
Explore well-known expressions like “as dark as night” or “as dark as coal.” These simple similes for dark make your writing clear, relatable, and easy to follow.
17. As dark as a raven’s eye
- Meaning: A rich, dark color, similar to the deep black of a raven’s eye.
- Example Sentences:
- “His eyes were as dark as a raven’s eye, full of mystery.”
- “The night was as dark as a raven’s eye, with no moon in sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a black pearl 🦪
- As dark as obsidian 🖤
If you’re looking for something gentler, check out our guide on simile for patience, where calm and quiet strength take center stage.
18. As dark as a forgotten tomb
- Meaning: A sense of neglect and deep darkness, like an old tomb that has been left undisturbed for centuries.
- Example Sentences:
- “The ancient castle was as dark as a forgotten tomb, with dusty corners and unlit rooms.”
- “The mood in the room was as dark as a forgotten tomb, filled with silence and tension.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as an unlit cave 🦇
- As dark as a sealed crypt ⚰️
19. As dark as a night without stars
- Meaning: A featureless, deep darkness, similar to a sky without any stars to provide light.
- Example Sentences:
- “The road was as dark as a night without stars, making it hard to see anything.”
- “Her thoughts were as dark as a night without stars, lost in confusion.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a cloudy sky ☁️
- As dark as the new moon 🌑
20. As dark as the moon’s shadow
- Meaning: That simile for dark refers to a deep, shadowy dark, much like the moon’s shadow in an eclipse.
- Example Sentences:
- “The eclipse made the world as dark as the moon’s shadow, with only a faint glow around the edges.”
- “His heart was as dark as the moon’s shadow, hidden from the light of joy.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a solar eclipse 🌚
- As dark as a lunar shadow 🌑
21. As dark as a witch’s spell
- Meaning: A magical, foreboding darkness, akin to the power of a witch’s spell.
- Example Sentences:
- “The forest was as dark as a witch’s spell, filled with eerie sounds.”
- “Her words were as dark as a witch’s spell, casting a chilling silence over the group.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a haunted house 🏚️
- As dark as midnight magic 🕯️
22. As dark as a tombstone
- Meaning: Refers to a deathly darkness, like the grave, where there is no light.
- Example Sentences:
- “The night was as dark as a tombstone, silent and still.”
- “His eyes were as dark as a tombstone, lifeless and cold.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a graveyard 🪦
- As dark as a coffin ⚰️
23. As dark as a pitch-black ocean
- Meaning: A vast and complete darkness, similar to an ocean that absorbs all light.
- Example Sentences:
- “The sea appeared as dark as a pitch-black ocean under the stormy sky.”
- “Her thoughts were as dark as a pitch-black ocean, lost in an abyss.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the deep sea 🌊
- As dark as the ocean at night 🌑
24. As dark as an eclipse
- Meaning: A temporary, but complete, darkness similar to the eclipse of the sun or moon.
- Example Sentences:
- “The sky went as dark as an eclipse, blocking out the light for a few minutes.”
- “His soul seemed as dark as an eclipse, hiding its true light.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a shadowed sun 🌞
- As dark as an occluded moon 🌑
Poetic Similes for Darkness
Use expressive similes for dark, like “as dark as a night with no moon” to create strong visuals. Each simile for dark is perfect for poetry, storytelling, and adding emotion to your writing.
25. As dark as burnt sugar
- Meaning: A rich, deep, dark brown, similar to burnt sugar.
- Example Sentences:
- “The cake turned as dark as burnt sugar after being in the oven too long.”
- “The evening sky was as dark as burnt sugar, tinged with deep reds and browns.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as caramel 🍮
- As dark as molasses 🍯
26. As dark as a night with no moon
- Meaning: That simile for dark portrays a total absence of light, like a moonless night sky.
- Example Sentences:
- “The desert felt as dark as a night with no moon, eerily quiet and still.”
- “Her heart was as dark as a night with no moon, filled with sorrow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as an empty sky 🌌
- As dark as a blacked-out city 🌃
27. As dark as smoke
- Meaning: A dark, billowy mass, often referring to the color of smoke.
- Example Sentences:
- “The room was as dark as smoke, with the air thick and heavy.”
- “Her eyes were as dark as smoke, full of mystery and intrigue.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as ash 🔥
- As dark as soot 🖤
28. As dark as the shade of a tree
- Meaning: That as dark as simile refers to the dim, cool darkness found under the shade of a tree.
- Example Sentences:
- “The garden grew as dark as the shade of a tree when the sun went down.”
- “Her mood was as dark as the shade of a tree, hidden beneath a canopy of thoughts.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a forest at dusk 🌲
- As dark as the underbrush 🌿
29. As dark as burnt wood
- Meaning: A deep, charcoal-like darkness, similar to the color of charred wood.
- Example Sentences:
- “The remains of the fire were as dark as burnt wood, still smoldering with heat.”
- “The old house had walls as dark as burnt wood, scorched by time and neglect.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a charred log 🔥
- As dark as scorched earth 🌍
30. As dark as a bat’s cave
- Meaning: A deep, oppressive darkness, similar to the caves where bats dwell.
- Example Sentences:
- “The abandoned mansion was as dark as a bat’s cave, with only the echo of footsteps.”
- “The cave felt as dark as a bat’s cave, the walls pressing in on all sides.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a bat’s den 🦇
- As dark as a cave without a light 💡
31. As dark as a shadow under a cloud
- Meaning: A soft, muted darkness created by a shadow cast under a cloud.
- Example Sentences:
- “The alley was as dark as a shadow under a cloud, cool and foreboding.”
- “Her heart was as dark as a shadow under a cloud, burdened with sorrow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as an overcast sky ☁️
- As dark as a passing storm ⛈️
32. As dark as the silence of the night
- Meaning: A quiet, heavy darkness, like the stillness that envelops everything at night.
- Example Sentences:
- “The streets were as dark as the silence of the night, untouched and eerie.”
- “His thoughts were as dark as the silence of the night, full of unanswered questions.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the hush before dawn 🌅
- As dark as a silent void 🕳️
33. As dark as the secrets of the deep
- Meaning: A mysterious, hidden darkness, like the unknown depths of the ocean.
- Example Sentences:
- “The forest was as dark as the secrets of the deep, hiding everything within its shadows.”
- “His intentions were as dark as the secrets of the deep, impossible to decipher.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the ocean’s abyss 🌊
- As dark as a deep cave 🦇
34. As dark as a vampire’s lair
- Meaning: A dark, chilling place, similar to where vampires hide from the sun.
- Example Sentences:
- “The basement was as dark as a vampire’s lair, with no windows and only shadows.”
- “The mood in the room was as dark as a vampire’s lair, tense and full of unease.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as a crypt ⚰️
- As dark as Dracula’s castle 🏰
35. As dark as the deep side of the moon
- Meaning: A profound, unexplainable darkness, like the far side of the moon that we cannot see.
- Example Sentences:
- “The mood was as dark as the deep side of the moon, mysterious and full of unspoken thoughts.”
- “The night felt as dark as the deep side of the moon, like something was lurking out of sight.”
Other Ways to Say:
- As dark as the dark side of the moon 🌑
- As dark as an unseen world 🌍
Practical Exercise: Similes for Dark
Instructions: Complete each sentence using the appropriate “as dark as simile.
- The forest was _______________ after the sun disappeared.
✅ (as dark as midnight) - Her hair flowed down her back _______________.
✅ (as dark as a raven’s wing) - The cave was _______________ with no light to guide them.
✅ (as dark as a closed coffin) - His eyes were _______________ when he spoke in anger.
✅ (as dark as a thundercloud) - The sky turned _______________ before the storm hit.
✅ (as dark as ink) - The alleyway was _______________, making them hesitate.
✅ (as dark as a dungeon) - At night, the sea looked _______________ under the moon.
✅ (as dark as obsidian) - The room without windows stayed _______________ all day.
✅ (as dark as a blackout) - Her mood was _______________ after hearing the bad news.
✅ (as dark as a shadow) - The abandoned house felt _______________ and cold.
✅ (as dark as a haunted dream)
Conclusion
Similes for dark add color and feeling to even the deepest shadows. Whether you’re writing a quiet night scene or expressing sorrow, the right simile for dark makes your words more vivid and meaningful.
From as dark as a raven’s wing to as dark as a closed coffin, these similes for dark answer the question, as dark as what? and help set the tone with clarity and creativity. Use these expressions to deepen your storytelling, whether you’re a student, a poet, or a writer crafting emotional scenes.
Let these similes for dark guide your imagery when silence, mystery, or mood fills the page. One well-placed simile for dark can speak volumes—even in the absence of light.