dark horse
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for dark horse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A competitor, candidate or contestant who is little known or thought unlikely to win, but who may surprise everyone by succeeding.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A competitor, candidate or contestant who is little known or thought unlikely to win, but who may surprise everyone by succeeding.
“She started the leadership race as a dark horse and finished it as prime minister.”
Opposites
2. noun informal
A person who keeps their talents, plans or private life quiet, so that others are surprised when the truth comes out.
“You're a dark horse — nobody knew you'd written a novel.”
How to Use Dark Horse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Neutral to informal; common in sport, politics and business writing, and fine in newspaper prose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is being called a dark horse a compliment?
Usually yes. It says you were underestimated rather than untalented, and it carries an air of hidden ability. The only mildly negative shade is the suggestion that you have been secretive.
What is the difference between a dark horse and an underdog?
An underdog is simply expected to lose, and everyone can see the odds against them. A dark horse is unknown rather than merely weak — the point is that nobody has enough information to judge them, so a win comes as a genuine shock.
Can a dark horse be used about a company or an idea?
Yes. Any contender in a competitive field can be a dark horse — a startup in a crowded market, a film in an awards race, or a city bidding to host an event.