Darkness is more than just the absence of light; it’s a powerful element in writing that evokes mystery, fear, peace, or drama. Using similes for dark helps writers paint vivid pictures that resonate deeply with readers.
Whether you’re crafting a suspenseful story, writing poetry, or simply improving your descriptive skills, these 60+ similes will transform how you express darkness.
What are Similes for Dark?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using “like” or “as” to create a vivid mental image. When describing darkness, similes help readers visualize and feel the intensity, mood, and atmosphere you’re trying to convey. Instead of simply saying “it was dark,” a well-crafted simile like “as dark as a moonless night” instantly creates a powerful image in the reader’s mind.
Why Use Similes for Darkness?
- Creates Vivid Imagery: Helps readers visualize your scenes more clearly
- Evokes Emotions: Triggers feelings of fear, calm, mystery, or comfort
- Adds Depth: Transforms simple descriptions into memorable prose
- Engages Readers: Makes your writing more interesting and immersive
- Shows Literary Skill: Demonstrates mastery of figurative language
As Dark As What?
1. As Dark as Night
Meaning: Complete darkness with no visible light
In a Sentence:
- The cave was as dark as night, and I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.
- The basement during the power outage became as dark as night, forcing us to feel our way around.
Other Ways to Say: As black as night, dark as the depths of midnight
2. As Dark as Coal
Meaning: Very dark in color or appearance, resembling black coal
In a Sentence:
- His eyes were as dark as coal, gleaming with mischief in the firelight.
- The storm clouds were as dark as coal, promising a heavy downpour.
Other Ways to Say: Black as coal, dark as charcoal
3. As Dark as a Cave
Meaning: Pitch-black interior with complete absence of light
In a Sentence:
- The abandoned tunnel was as dark as a cave, making exploration dangerous.
- When the flashlight died, the room became as dark as a cave.
Other Ways to Say: Dark as a cavern, black as a cave’s depths
4. As Dark as Midnight
Meaning: The deepest darkness experienced at the middle of night
In a Sentence:
- The forest was as dark as midnight, with only the faint glow of the moon guiding our way.
- Her hair was as dark as midnight, flowing like liquid shadow.
Other Ways to Say: Black as midnight, dark as the witching hour
5. As Dark as Ink
Meaning: Deep black color resembling writing ink
In a Sentence:
- The lake was as dark as ink, reflecting no light from above.
- His thoughts were as dark as ink, staining every hopeful idea.
Other Ways to Say: Black as ink, dark as spilled ink
6. As Dark as Pitch
Meaning: Extremely dark, like tar or pitch substance
In a Sentence:
- The alley was as dark as pitch, making me hesitate before entering.
- The night became as dark as pitch when the clouds covered the moon.
Other Ways to Say: Black as pitch, dark as tar
7. As Dark as Shadows
Meaning: Resembling the absence of light cast by shadows
In a Sentence:
- The room was as dark as shadows, and I stumbled over furniture.
- His past was as dark as shadows, filled with secrets he never shared.
Other Ways to Say: Black as shadows, dark as the shadow of death
8. As Dark as a Crow’s Wing
Meaning: Deep black like the glossy feathers of a crow
In a Sentence:
- Her hair was as dark as a crow’s wing, shining in the sunlight.
- The velvet curtains were as dark as a crow’s wing, blocking all light.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a raven’s wing, dark as a blackbird
9. As Dark as Obsidian
Meaning: Very dark and shiny like volcanic glass
In a Sentence:
- The night sky was as dark as obsidian, with stars twinkling like diamonds.
- His eyes were as dark as obsidian, mysterious and unreadable.
Other Ways to Say: Black as volcanic glass, dark as polished stone
10. As Dark as a Moonless Night
Meaning: Complete darkness when the moon is absent from the sky
In a Sentence:
- The countryside was as dark as a moonless night, with no streetlights for miles.
- The forest became as dark as a moonless night, disorienting even experienced hikers.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a moonless sky, dark without moon or stars
11. As Dark as a Coal Mine
Meaning: Exceptionally dark like the interior of a mine
In a Sentence:
- The basement felt as dark as a coal mine, with the lightbulb having burnt out.
- The tunnel was as dark as a coal mine, requiring headlamps for navigation.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a mineshaft, dark as underground depths
12. As Dark as the Bottom of the Ocean
Meaning: Deep, impenetrable darkness where no light reaches
In a Sentence:
- The cave’s depths were as dark as the bottom of the ocean, an inky abyss.
- Her secrets were as dark as the bottom of the ocean, never to surface.
Other Ways to Say: Dark as ocean depths, black as the deep sea
13. As Dark as a Starless Sky
Meaning: Intense darkness when no stars are visible
In a Sentence:
- The forest at night was as dark as a starless sky, making me feel lost.
- The power outage left the city as dark as a starless sky.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a void, dark without celestial light
14. As Dark as a Thundercloud
Meaning: Ominous, heavy darkness associated with storm clouds
In a Sentence:
- The sky grew as dark as a thundercloud, signaling an approaching tempest.
- His expression turned as dark as a thundercloud when he heard the news.
Other Ways to Say: Black as storm clouds, dark as an approaching storm
15. As Dark as a Witch’s Heart
Meaning: Perceived malevolence and evil darkness
In a Sentence:
- The old forest had an eerie aura, as dark as a witch’s heart.
- The villain’s intentions were as dark as a witch’s heart.
Other Ways to Say: Black as evil, dark as malicious intent
16. As Dark as a Tar Pit
Meaning: Thick, sticky, and very dark substance
In a Sentence:
- The cave’s entrance was concealed by darkness as dark as a tar pit.
- The night was as dark as a tar pit, heavy and oppressive.
Other Ways to Say: Black as tar, dark as molasses
17. As Dark as a Crypt
Meaning: Underground burial chamber darkness
In a Sentence:
- The abandoned church’s basement was as dark as a crypt, echoing with whispers.
- The corridor felt as dark as a crypt, cold and lifeless.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a tomb, dark as a burial chamber
18. As Dark as the Inside of a Coffin
Meaning: Confined, enclosed darkness with no escape
In a Sentence:
- The small room felt as dark as the inside of a coffin, suffocating and eerie.
- When the door shut, it became as dark as the inside of a coffin.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a casket, dark as a sealed tomb
19. As Dark as a Midnight Forest
Meaning: Deep, shadowy darkness of woods at night
In a Sentence:
- As I ventured deeper, the darkness enveloped me like a midnight forest.
- The garden at night was as dark as a midnight forest, mysterious and foreboding.
Other Ways to Say: Black as the woods at night, dark as deep forest
20. As Dark as the Depths of Hades
Meaning: Underworld darkness from Greek mythology
In a Sentence:
- The cave’s passage led us to a place as dark as the depths of Hades.
- His despair was as dark as the depths of Hades, consuming all hope.
Other Ways to Say: Black as the underworld, dark as hell
21. As Dark as a Black Hole
Meaning: Impenetrable darkness from which nothing escapes
In a Sentence:
- The cave seemed as dark as a black hole, swallowing any trace of light.
- His mood was as dark as a black hole, pulling everyone into negativity.
Other Ways to Say: Black as space, dark as the void
22. As Dark as a Cellar
Meaning: Damp, completely dark underground room
In a Sentence:
- The storage room was as dark as a cellar, musty and forgotten.
- Without windows, the room stayed as dark as a cellar all day.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a basement, dark as underground storage
23. As Dark as a Closed Fist
Meaning: Tight, enclosed, and completely dark space
In a Sentence:
- The tiny room felt as dark as the interior of a closed fist.
- The cupboard was as dark as a closed fist when shut.
Other Ways to Say: Black as enclosed space, dark as a sealed container
24. As Dark as a Sealed Box
Meaning: Completely enclosed darkness
In a Sentence:
- The attic was as dark as the inside of a sealed box, untouched for generations.
- The trunk was as dark as a sealed box when I lifted the lid.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a locked chest, dark as a closed container
25. As Dark as the Belly of a Beast
Meaning: Cramped, impenetrable darkness inside something dangerous
In a Sentence:
- The narrow cave passage was as dark as the belly of a beast.
- The old ship’s hold was as dark as the belly of a beast.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a creature’s interior, dark as being swallowed
26. As Dark as a Hole in the Ground
Meaning: Very dark pit or depression in earth
In a Sentence:
- The abandoned well was as dark as a hole in the ground, its depths a mystery.
- The crater was as dark as a hole in the ground at midnight.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a pit, dark as a deep well
27. As Dark as a Wolf’s Den
Meaning: Small, dark space where wolves shelter
In a Sentence:
- The cavern entrance was as dark as a wolf’s den, forbidding and wild.
- The hollow tree was as dark as a wolf’s den inside.
Other Ways to Say: Black as an animal’s lair, dark as a predator’s home
28. As Dark as Soot
Meaning: Deep black residue from fire or smoke
In a Sentence:
- The chimney interior was as dark as soot, coating everything it touched.
- His hands were as dark as soot after working with the coal.
Other Ways to Say: Black as chimney soot, dark as ash
29. As Dark as a Funeral Scarf
Meaning: Somber, mourning darkness
In a Sentence:
- Her dress was as dark as a funeral scarf, reflecting her grief.
- The curtains were as dark as a funeral scarf, blocking all sunlight.
Other Ways to Say: Black as mourning clothes, dark as widow’s veil
30. As Dark as a Thief’s Pocket
Meaning: Hidden, secretive darkness
In a Sentence:
- The back alley was as dark as a thief’s pocket, perfect for hiding.
- His intentions were as dark as a thief’s pocket, concealed and suspicious.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a criminal’s hideout, dark as secret places
31. As Dark as the Grave
Meaning: Death-associated darkness and finality
In a Sentence:
- The room felt as dark as the grave, cold and lifeless.
- His thoughts became as dark as the grave after the tragedy.
Other Ways to Say: Black as death, dark as a tombstone
32. As Dark as Misery’s Night
Meaning: Darkness associated with sorrow and suffering
In a Sentence:
- Her life felt as dark as misery’s night, without hope or joy.
- The abandoned house was as dark as misery’s night inside.
Other Ways to Say: Black as despair, dark as suffering
33. As Dark as Death’s Eye
Meaning: Ominous, final darkness of death
In a Sentence:
- The empty sockets of the skull were as dark as death’s eye.
- The abyss stared back, as dark as death’s eye.
Other Ways to Say: Black as the reaper, dark as mortality
34. As Dark as Chaos
Meaning: Primordial, formless darkness before creation
In a Sentence:
- The void was as dark as chaos, without form or structure.
- His mind became as dark as chaos in his confusion.
Other Ways to Say: Black as the beginning, dark as the void before light
35. As Dark as a Dungeon
Meaning: Prison cell or underground chamber darkness
In a Sentence:
- The basement was as dark as a dungeon, damp and forbidding.
- The storage room felt as dark as a dungeon without windows.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a prison cell, dark as a jail
36. As Dark as a Shadow at Dusk
Meaning: Deepening darkness as day transitions to night
In a Sentence:
- The alleyway was as dark as a shadow at dusk, barely visible.
- The forest path became as dark as a shadow at dusk.
Other Ways to Say: Black as twilight shadows, dark as evening falls
37. As Dark as Burnt Coal
Meaning: Ashy, remnant darkness after fire
In a Sentence:
- The room was filled with shadows as dark as burnt coal.
- The remains were as dark as burnt coal, charred beyond recognition.
Other Ways to Say: Black as charred wood, dark as fire’s aftermath
38. As Dark as a Black Velvet Cloth
Meaning: Rich, elegant, deep darkness
In a Sentence:
- The night sky was as dark as a black velvet cloth, stars hidden beneath.
- Her gown was as dark as a black velvet cloth, luxurious and mysterious.
Other Ways to Say: Black as velvet, dark as rich fabric
39. As Dark as a Midnight Train
Meaning: Solitary journey through darkness
In a Sentence:
- The station was as dark as a midnight train, quiet and abandoned.
- The tunnel was as dark as a midnight train passing through.
Other Ways to Say: Black as night travel, dark as late-night journey
40. As Dark as a Bat’s Cave
Meaning: Isolated, hidden place without light
In a Sentence:
- The cavern was as dark as a bat’s cave, echoing with fluttering wings.
- The attic felt as dark as a bat’s cave, musty and mysterious.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a bat’s roost, dark as nocturnal dwelling
41. As Dark as Storm Clouds
Meaning: Heavy, threatening darkness before weather
In a Sentence:
- The sky turned as dark as storm clouds, wind picking up violently.
- His mood became as dark as storm clouds before erupting.
Other Ways to Say: Black as thunder clouds, dark as tempest approach
42. As Dark as the Heart of a Forest
Meaning: Dense, mysterious woodland darkness
In a Sentence:
- The path led to a clearing as dark as the heart of a forest.
- Her secrets were as dark as the heart of a forest, tangled and hidden.
Other Ways to Say: Black as deep woods, dark as forest interior
43. As Dark as Poe’s Raven
Meaning: Literary darkness tinged with mystery and supernatural
In a Sentence:
- The mansion’s atmosphere was as dark as Poe’s raven, filled with secrets.
- His humor was as dark as Poe’s raven, unsettling yet intriguing.
Other Ways to Say: Black as Gothic literature, dark as macabre tales
44. As Dark as Dante’s Inferno
Meaning: Hell-associated darkness suggesting moral corruption
In a Sentence:
- The politician’s soul was said to be as dark as Dante’s inferno.
- The war-torn region became as dark as Dante’s inferno.
Other Ways to Say: Black as hell’s depths, dark as damnation
45. As Dark as a Black Panther’s Coat
Meaning: Sleek, beautiful yet dangerous darkness
In a Sentence:
- Her dress was as dark as a black panther’s coat, elegant and mysterious.
- The car was as dark as a black panther’s coat, gleaming under lights.
Other Ways to Say: Black as a panther, dark as jungle predator
46. As Dark as the Shadow of Vesuvius
Meaning: Ominous darkness suggesting impending doom
In a Sentence:
- The company’s troubles loomed as dark as the shadow of Vesuvius.
- The secret hung over them as dark as the shadow of Vesuvius.
Other Ways to Say: Black as volcanic threat, dark as disaster looming
47. As Dark as the Catacombs
Meaning: Ancient underground burial chamber darkness
In a Sentence:
- The library’s restricted section was as dark as the catacombs.
- His past was as dark as the catacombs, filled with buried secrets.
Other Ways to Say: Black as ancient tombs, dark as underground passages
48. As Dark as a Nightmare
Meaning: Frightening, disorienting darkness of bad dreams
In a Sentence:
- The experience was as dark as a nightmare, impossible to escape.
- The abandoned asylum felt as dark as a nightmare come to life.
Other Ways to Say: Black as terror, dark as fearful visions
49. As Dark as Deep Space
Meaning: Vast, endless cosmic darkness
In a Sentence:
- The room was as dark as deep space, silent and infinite.
- His loneliness felt as dark as deep space, empty and cold.
Other Ways to Say: Black as the universe, dark as interstellar void
50. As Dark as Burnt Wood
Meaning: Charred, fire-damaged darkness
In a Sentence:
- The forest after the wildfire was as dark as burnt wood.
- The remains were as dark as burnt wood, crumbling to ash.
Other Ways to Say: Black as charcoal, dark as fire damage
51. As Dark as a Raven’s Feather
Meaning: Glossy, elegant black color
In a Sentence:
- Her hair shimmered, as dark as a raven’s feather in moonlight.
- The fabric was as dark as a raven’s feather, rich and lustrous.
Other Ways to Say: Black as crow feathers, dark as blackbird plumage
52. As Dark as Fog at Midnight
Meaning: Obscured, disorienting darkness
In a Sentence:
- The street became as dark as fog at midnight, visibility near zero.
- His confusion was as dark as fog at midnight, impenetrable.
Other Ways to Say: Black as misty night, dark as obscured vision
53. As Dark as a Wolf’s Eyes
Meaning: Mysterious, predatory darkness
In a Sentence:
- His gaze was as dark as a wolf’s eyes, calculating and wild.
- The forest shadows were as dark as a wolf’s eyes watching.
Other Ways to Say: Black as predator’s stare, dark as animal intelligence
54. As Dark as a Burnt-Out Bulb
Meaning: Complete absence of expected light
In a Sentence:
- The room was as dark as a burnt-out bulb, suddenly plunged into blackness.
- Hope died, leaving him as dark as a burnt-out bulb.
Other Ways to Say: Black as dead light, dark as extinguished flame
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55. As Dark as a Curtain Drawn
Meaning: Gradual, covering darkness
In a Sentence:
- Evening fell as dark as a curtain drawn across the sky.
- Her expression closed, as dark as a curtain drawn on emotion.
Other Ways to Say: Black as closing day, dark as covering shadow
56. As Dark as Ink Wells
Meaning: Old-fashioned, literary darkness
In a Sentence:
- His eyes were as dark as ink wells, full of untold stories.
- The room’s corners were as dark as ink wells, pooling shadow.
Other Ways to Say: Black as writing ink, dark as poet’s inspiration
57. As Dark as Velvet Shadows
Meaning: Soft, comforting darkness
In a Sentence:
- The evening settled around them as dark as velvet shadows.
- Her voice was as dark as velvet shadows, soothing and mysterious.
Other Ways to Say: Black as gentle night, dark as comfortable obscurity
58. As Dark as a Sealed Tomb
Meaning: Ancient, undisturbed darkness
In a Sentence:
- The chamber was as dark as a sealed tomb, untouched for centuries.
- His secrets remained as dark as a sealed tomb.
Other Ways to Say: Black as ancient burial, dark as forgotten graves
59. As Dark as a Forgotten Attic
Meaning: Neglected, dusty darkness
In a Sentence:
- The storage room was as dark as a forgotten attic, filled with memories.
- His past was as dark as a forgotten attic, rarely visited.
Other Ways to Say: Black as neglected spaces, dark as abandoned rooms
60. As Dark as a Shadowy Void
Meaning: Mysterious, alive darkness
In a Sentence:
- The basement corner was as dark as a shadowy void, whispering secrets.
- Her thoughts became as dark as a shadowy void, consuming reason.
Other Ways to Say: Black as mysterious emptiness, dark as living shadow
61. As Dark as a Spiderweb at Night
Meaning: Delicate, eerie darkness
In a Sentence:
- The hallway was as dark as a spiderweb at night, barely visible.
- The conspiracy was as dark as a spiderweb at night, intricate and hidden.
Other Ways to Say: Black as night webs, dark as silken traps
62. As Dark as a Mourning Veil
Meaning: Grief-laden, somber darkness
In a Sentence:
- Her sorrow hung as dark as a mourning veil over everything.
- The ceremony was as dark as a mourning veil, heavy with loss.
Other Ways to Say: Black as widow’s grief, dark as funeral cloth
How to Use These Similes Effectively
In Creative Writing
- Choose similes that match your scene’s mood
- Don’t overuse—one powerful simile is better than several weak ones
- Consider your audience and context
- Mix common and unique similes for variety
In Poetry
- Use similes to create rhythm and imagery
- Layer multiple comparisons for depth
- Connect physical darkness to emotional states
- Experiment with unexpected combinations
In Descriptive Essays
- Ground similes in sensory details
- Use them to transition between ideas
- Connect darkness to theme or meaning
- Balance literal and figurative darkness
Tips for Creating Your Own Similes
- Start with the emotion: What feeling does your darkness convey?
- Choose concrete comparisons: Use specific objects or experiences
- Consider all senses: Darkness isn’t just visual
- Test readability: Can readers instantly visualize your comparison?
- Avoid clichés: Put fresh twists on common similes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing metaphors: Don’t combine incompatible comparisons
- Over-explaining: Let the simile speak for itself
- Inappropriate tone: Match simile to scene (don’t use “dark as a coffin” in comedy)
- Forced comparisons: Natural similes work best
- Repetition: Vary your darkness descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are short similes for darkness?
Short similes for darkness are quick comparisons like dark as night or dark as coal that clearly describe low light in simple words.
What is a good simile for a dark night?
A common simile for a dark night is dark as night or dark as midnight because it shows complete darkness.
What are some unique similes for darkness?
Unique similes include dark as velvet, dark as a raven’s wing, and dark as a moonless sky.
What are funny similes for darkness?
Funny similes for darkness are playful, like dark as my phone screen at 3 a.m. or dark as a power cut.
What are the best similes for darkness?
The best similes are dark as night, dark as pitch, and dark as coal because they are clear and easy to understand.
Is “as dark as night” a simile or a metaphor?
As dark as night is a simile because it uses the word as to compare darkness.
What does “the night was as dark as coal” mean?
It means the night was extremely dark, with almost no light visible.
Is “as dark as night” correct to use in writing?
Yes, it is correct and commonly used in stories, poems, and daily writing to describe darkness clearly.
Conclusion
Similes for dark transform ordinary descriptions into memorable, evocative prose. Whether you’re writing horror, romance, poetry, or descriptive essays, these 60+ comparisons give you powerful tools to paint vivid pictures of darkness. The key is choosing similes that resonate with your specific scene, audience, and purpose.
Darkness can represent fear, mystery, comfort, or transformation—your choice of simile determines which meaning shines through. Practice using these expressions, experiment with creating your own, and watch your writing come alive with shadow and depth.
Remember: the best simile is one that feels natural, creates instant imagery, and serves your story’s needs. Use this guide as your reference, but let your creativity lead the way into the dark.
