Sometimes, we talk about darkness in ways that help people imagine it better. Instead of just saying “it was dark,” we use similes. A simile is a phrase that compares one thing to another using the words “like” or “as.” These comparisons can paint a picture in your mind. For example, if someone says, “It was as dark as a cave,” you can imagine how little light there was.
This article will show you 35 different similes that describe dark places, times, or feelings. These similes can help make your writing more interesting and help readers feel what you are saying. Whether you’re writing a story or just trying to explain something, similes can help you share your thoughts more clearly. Let’s explore some ways people describe darkness using fun and simple comparisons.
Similes for Dark
1. As dark as a cave
Meaning: Completely dark, with no light
Example Sentence:
- The basement was as dark as a cave.
- When the power went out, the room was as dark as a cave.
Other ways to say: pitch black, like a tunnel
Fun Fact/Origin: Caves are deep and have little or no light inside.
Usage: Used when there is no light in a place.
2. As dark as night
Meaning: Very dark, like the nighttime
Example Sentence:
- The backyard was as dark as night.
- It felt as dark as night in the attic.
Other ways to say: completely dark, like midnight
Fun Fact/Origin: Nighttime is often used to show deep darkness.
Usage: Used when there is very little or no light.
3. As dark as coal
Meaning: Black and dark in color
Example Sentence:
- Her hair was as dark as coal.
- The sky turned as dark as coal before the storm.
Other ways to say: black as soot, like a shadow
Fun Fact/Origin: Coal is a black rock that burns for heat.
Usage: Used to describe very dark colors.
4. As dark as a tunnel
Meaning: No light, like being inside a tunnel
Example Sentence:
- The hallway was as dark as a tunnel.
- The shed felt as dark as a tunnel without the light.
Other ways to say: like a cave, like a deep hole
Fun Fact/Origin: Tunnels often have no natural light.
Usage: Used when something feels closed off and dark.
5. As dark as a stormy sky
Meaning: Cloudy and dark, like during a storm
Example Sentence:
- The sky was as dark as a stormy sky before the rain.
- It became as dark as a stormy sky in the afternoon.
Other ways to say: like a thundercloud, gloomy
Fun Fact/Origin: Storm clouds block sunlight, making it dark.
Usage: Used to describe weather or mood.
6. As dark as midnight
Meaning: Very late and very dark
Example Sentence:
- The woods were as dark as midnight.
- His room felt as dark as midnight without a nightlight.
Other ways to say: like the middle of the night, black as night
Fun Fact/Origin: Midnight is the darkest part of the night.
Usage: Used to describe deep night darkness.
7. As dark as space
Meaning: Endless and black, like outer space
Example Sentence:
- The garage looked as dark as space.
- The basement was as dark as space until the light came on.
Other ways to say: like the universe, pitch black
Fun Fact/Origin: Space has no light unless stars shine.
Usage: Used to describe very deep and endless darkness.
8. As dark as ink
Meaning: Black and thick like pen ink
Example Sentence:
- The water looked as dark as ink.
- Her hair was as dark as ink.
Other ways to say: like tar, black as paint
Fun Fact/Origin: Ink is used for writing and is usually very dark.
Usage: Used to show deep color.
9. As dark as a shadow
Meaning: Like something blocking the light
Example Sentence:
- The corner of the room was as dark as a shadow.
- Behind the trees, it was as dark as a shadow.
Other ways to say: shaded, dim
Fun Fact/Origin: Shadows happen when light is blocked.
Usage: Used when something feels hidden or covered.
10. As dark as a blackout
Meaning: Completely dark when all power goes out
Example Sentence:
- It was as dark as a blackout when the lights turned off.
- The storm made everything as dark as a blackout.
Other ways to say: no light, total darkness
Fun Fact/Origin: Blackouts happen when electricity fails.
Usage: Used when everything is suddenly very dark.
11. As dark as a dungeon
Meaning: Very dark and gloomy like an old prison
Example Sentence:
- The basement was as dark as a dungeon.
- Without a lamp, the hallway felt as dark as a dungeon.
Other ways to say: like a prison, gloomy
Fun Fact/Origin: Dungeons were deep, dark rooms used long ago.
Usage: Used to describe dark, scary places.
12. As dark as a thundercloud
Meaning: Dark and heavy like storm clouds
Example Sentence:
- The sky was as dark as a thundercloud before it rained.
- Her mood was as dark as a thundercloud.
Other ways to say: stormy, gloomy
Fun Fact/Origin: Thunderclouds are thick and block the sun.
Usage: Used for weather or angry feelings.
13. As dark as a forest at night
Meaning: Very dark and quiet
Example Sentence:
- The park felt as dark as a forest at night.
- It was as dark as a forest at night without streetlights.
Other ways to say: like the woods, very shadowy
Fun Fact/Origin: Forests at night are often pitch black.
Usage: Used when a place feels wild and dark.
14. As dark as the bottom of the ocean
Meaning: Deep and without light
Example Sentence:
- The cave was as dark as the bottom of the ocean.
- It felt as dark as the bottom of the ocean in the closet.
Other ways to say: deep dark, like the sea
Fun Fact/Origin: Sunlight can’t reach the ocean’s depths.
Usage: Used for very deep, hidden darkness.
15. As dark as a movie theater
Meaning: Very dark like during a movie
Example Sentence:
- The room was as dark as a movie theater.
- After turning off the lights, it was as dark as a movie theater.
Other ways to say: dim, quiet dark
Fun Fact/Origin: Movie theaters keep lights off for better screen view.
Usage: Used for indoor darkness.
16. As dark as a closet with no light
Meaning: Small and completely dark
Example Sentence:
- It was as dark as a closet with no light in there.
- Her hiding spot was as dark as a closet with no light.
Other ways to say: like a box, shut-in dark
Fun Fact/Origin: Closets without lights can feel closed and shadowy.
Usage: Used for small, shut spaces.
17. As dark as a thunderstorm
Meaning: Stormy and scary
Example Sentence:
- The sky looked as dark as a thunderstorm.
- The clouds were as dark as a thunderstorm brewing.
Other ways to say: storm-dark, rain-dark
Fun Fact/Origin: Storm clouds turn the sky dark fast.
Usage: Used to show fast-coming darkness.
18. As dark as a hole in the ground
Meaning: Deep and hard to see into
Example Sentence:
- That corner was as dark as a hole in the ground.
- It was as dark as a hole in the ground under the bed.
Other ways to say: deep, hidden
Fun Fact/Origin: Holes have no light inside them.
Usage: Used when something feels hidden or unknown.
19. As dark as soot
Meaning: Black and dusty
Example Sentence:
- Her jacket was as dark as soot.
- The wall was as dark as soot from the fire.
Other ways to say: like ash, coal-black
Fun Fact/Origin: Soot is the black dust from smoke or fire.
Usage: Used for describing color or texture.
20. As dark as midnight on a moonless night
Meaning: Deep and still darkness
Example Sentence:
- It was as dark as midnight on a moonless night outside.
- Without lights, the backyard was as dark as midnight with no moon.
Other ways to say: full dark, deep black
Fun Fact/Origin: Without moonlight, nights are very black.
Usage: Used for describing outdoor darkness.
21. As dark as a bat cave
Meaning: Quiet and dark like where bats live
Example Sentence:
- The attic was as dark as a bat cave.
- That room is as dark as a bat cave at night.
Other ways to say: creepy, like a den
Fun Fact/Origin: Bats stay in dark places to sleep.
Usage: Used for spooky or closed-in spots.
22. As dark as a power outage
Meaning: Totally without electricity
Example Sentence:
- It felt as dark as a power outage in the classroom.
- The storm made it as dark as a power outage.
Other ways to say: no light, blackout
Fun Fact/Origin: A power outage happens when all lights go out.
Usage: Used when nothing works and it’s completely dark.
23. As dark as a cave deep underground
Meaning: Extra deep darkness
Example Sentence:
- The basement felt as dark as a cave deep underground.
- Her closet was as dark as a deep cave.
Other ways to say: deep dark, hidden black
Fun Fact/Origin: The deeper the cave, the darker it gets.
Usage: Used for thick, hard-to-see darkness.
24. As dark as inside a box
Meaning: Small and completely shut off
Example Sentence:
- The drawer was as dark as inside a box.
- Her toy chest was as dark as inside a box.
Other ways to say: like a shut box, closed-in
Fun Fact/Origin: Boxes block light from all sides.
Usage: Used when something is closed up.
25. As dark as a moonless sky
Meaning: No moonlight or stars
Example Sentence:
- The night was as dark as a moonless sky.
- It felt as dark as a moonless sky in the field.
Other ways to say: starless, no light
Fun Fact/Origin: Without a moon, the sky is darker than usual.
Usage: Used for night scenes or moods.
26. As dark as tar
Meaning: Thick and black
Example Sentence:
- The paint was as dark as tar.
- That gooey stuff looked as dark as tar.
Other ways to say: sticky black, thick black
Fun Fact/Origin: Tar is used for roads and is very dark.
Usage: Used for color and feel.
27. As dark as a theater before the show starts
Meaning: Quiet and completely dark
Example Sentence:
- The room felt as dark as a theater before the movie.
- It was as dark as a theater when the lights went off.
Other ways to say: pitch black, no glow
Fun Fact/Origin: Lights go off in theaters for better screen view.
Usage: Used when waiting in quiet darkness.
28. As dark as a deep lake at night
Meaning: Still and black
Example Sentence:
- The water was as dark as a deep lake at night.
- The pond looked as dark as a lake in the night.
Other ways to say: deep water, still black
Fun Fact/Origin: Deep lakes reflect no light in darkness.
Usage: Used for dark water or feelings.
29. As dark as a burnt marshmallow
Meaning: Burnt and black
Example Sentence:
- His toast was as dark as a burnt marshmallow.
- The cookie looked as dark as a burnt marshmallow.
Other ways to say: overcooked, charred
Fun Fact/Origin: Marshmallows turn black fast in fire.
Usage: Used for burnt things.
30. As dark as a closed curtain room
Meaning: Shut out from all light
Example Sentence:
- The living room was as dark as a closed curtain room.
- Her bedroom was as dark as a curtain-shut room.
Other ways to say: dim, covered
Fun Fact/Origin: Curtains block most outside light.
Usage: Used for blocking sunlight.
31. As dark as a deep pit
Meaning: Deep and with no bottom light
Example Sentence:
- The old well looked as dark as a deep pit.
- It felt as dark as a pit under the stage.
Other ways to say: bottomless, shadowy
Fun Fact/Origin: Pits are often used to describe endless places.
Usage: Used for things that feel endless and dark.
32. As dark as coffee without cream
Meaning: Very black in color
Example Sentence:
- The liquid was as dark as coffee without cream.
- His sweater was as dark as black coffee.
Other ways to say: black coffee, strong color
Fun Fact/Origin: Coffee is often used to show deep black.
Usage: Used to show a deep dark color.
33. As dark as the back of a closet
Meaning: Quiet, hidden darkness
Example Sentence:
- It was as dark as the back of a closet there.
- The lost toy was in a spot as dark as the back of a closet.
Other ways to say: tucked away, unlit
Fun Fact/Origin: The back of closets often have no light.
Usage: Used when something is hidden.
34. As dark as wet ashes
Meaning: Soft black and cold
Example Sentence:
- The fire pit looked as dark as wet ashes.
- Her boots were as dark as wet ashes after playing.
Other ways to say: ash black, cold black
Fun Fact/Origin: Ashes lose heat and stay dark.
Usage: Used for color or sad feeling.
35. As dark as a thunderstorm sky at noon
Meaning: Unusual and extra dark
Example Sentence:
- The clouds made it as dark as a thunderstorm sky at noon.
- It turned as dark as noon with a storm rolling in.
Other ways to say: strange dark, surprising gloom
Fun Fact/Origin: Storms can turn the daytime very dark.
Usage: Used for surprise or sudden dark times.
Quiz: Similes for Dark
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “as dark as a cave” mean?
A) The place is noisy
B) The place is full of animals
C) The place is very dark
2. If something is “as dark as ink,” what is it like?
A) Bright and colorful
B) Very dark and black
C) Made of paper
3. What does “as dark as midnight” suggest?
A) It is very late and very dark
B) It is sunny and hot
C) It is time for lunch
4. If a room is “as dark as a theater before the movie,” what is it like?
A) It is loud and bright
B) It is very quiet and dark
C) It is full of food
5. What does “as dark as a power outage” mean?
A) The place has blinking lights
B) The place has no light at all
C) The place is filled with candles
6. What does “as dark as a thundercloud” describe?
A) A sunny sky
B) A rainbow in the sky
C) A sky that looks stormy and dark
7. If something is “as dark as coal,” what color is it?
A) Bright yellow
B) Black
C) Light green
8. What does “as dark as a moonless sky” mean?
A) The sky has no moonlight
B) The sky is full of stars
C) The sky is orange
9. If the hallway is “as dark as a tunnel,” how does it feel?
A) Open and sunny
B) Closed and dark
C) Full of windows
10. What does “as dark as a stormy sky” suggest?
A) The weather is calm
B) The weather is dark and rainy
C) The weather is dry and warm
11. What does “as dark as a closet with no light” mean?
A) The closet is filled with toys
B) The closet is open and bright
C) The closet is very dark inside
12. What does “as dark as the bottom of the ocean” mean?
A) Very bright and clear
B) Shallow and sunny
C) Very deep and dark
13. If something is “as dark as a bat cave,” what does that mean?
A) It is filled with lights
B) It is quiet and very dark
C) It is warm and colorful
Answer Key
- C – The place is very dark
- B – Very dark and black
- A – It is very late and very dark
- B – It is very quiet and dark
- B – The place has no light at all
- C – A sky that looks stormy and dark
- B – Black
- A – The sky has no moonlight
- B – Closed and dark
- B – The weather is dark and rainy
- C – The closet is very dark inside
- C – Very deep and dark
- B – It is quiet and very dark
Wrapping Up
Similes help us understand and describe darkness in fun and clear ways. Saying something is “as dark as a cave” or “as dark as ink” gives readers a better picture. These comparisons make writing stronger and easier to imagine. By using these similes, you can describe dark places or moments in a simple and powerful way.
Now you know how to talk about darkness using creative and clear language. Try using some of these similes in your own stories or descriptions.
