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Definitions

stark

[stahrk] / stɑrk /
ADJECTIVE
utter, absolute
Synonyms
STRONGEST
blunt simple
WEAK
abrupt arrant bald bare blasted blessed complete confounded consummate downright entire firm flagrant gross infernal out-and-out outright palpable patent pure rank severe sheer stiff unalloyed unmitigated
Antonyms
WEAK
clothed covered indefinite
ADJECTIVE
bare, unadorned
Synonyms
STRONGEST
austere bleak depressing desolate grim harsh
WEAK
au naturel bald barren chaste clear cold dreary empty forsaken naked nude plain raw severe solitary stripped unclad unclothed uncovered undraped vacant vacuous void
Antonyms
STRONGEST
bright cheerful encouraging gentle happy mild nice sunny
WEAK
clothed covered indefinite

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.

Willy Loman has no home to return to in the stark and shattering new revival of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” on Broadway.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The IMF chief signalled in her opening remarks that the Fund would downgrade its global growth forecast due to the war, and she had a stark warning:

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The difference in injury time between Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final involving West Ham United and Leeds, and Manchester City's 4-0 win over Liverpool a day earlier was stark.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

This latest episode reflects that divide in stark terms.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

His lab was stark white, and it sat on the water—not a building at the edge of the water, like the aquarium.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin