Definitions

dark horse

NOUN

remote possibility

Synonyms

STRONGEST

also-ran long shot sleeper underdog

WEAK

hundred-to-one shot improbability little chance little opportunity outside chance outside shot poor bet poor lookout poor possibility poor prognosis poor prospect slim chance small chance stalking horse unexpected winner unknown unknown quantity unlikelihood unlikely winner upsetter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Norway may have been touted by many as this World Cup's dark horse but their impressive progress still feels like they have exceeded expectations.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2026

I don’t know how much of a dark horse that one is, but that’s my pick for show.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

Now, on his main-draw debut on the Paris clay, Jodar has emerged as a dark horse for the Coupe des Mousquetaires.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Blyth also called Rieder a bit of a "dark horse" on whether his decisions would shift from Powell's.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

This card, the one with the dark man on a dark horse, this means jealousy, and this one, sorrow.

From "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros

dark horse

Example Sentences

Related Words