dusk
13 synonyms and 2 antonyms for dusk, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The dim period between sunset and full darkness.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
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.
Antonyms
How to use dusk
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
at dusk
dusk falls
from dawn to dusk
Etymology
From Old English dox, "dark, swarthy," going back to a root meaning "smoke" or "haze" — related to "dust" and "dun."
Full origin of dusk →Frequently asked questions
What does “dusk” mean?
The word “dusk” means the dim period between sunset and full darkness. In plain terms, the fading light right after sunset, before it's properly dark — sometimes called twilight.
How do you pronounce “dusk”?
“Dusk” is pronounced duhsk (/dʌsk/ in IPA).
How do you use “dusk” in a sentence?
Here is “dusk” used in a sentence: “The streetlights flickered on as dusk settled over the town.”
What is another word for “dusk”?
Words with a similar meaning to “dusk” include nightfall, smokefall, vespers, cockshut, crepusculum and dark.
What is the opposite of “dusk”?
The opposite of “dusk” — its antonyms — are dawn and daybreak.
What part of speech is “dusk”?
Depending on how it is used, “dusk” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “dusk” come from?
The word “dusk” comes from Old English. From Old English dox, "dark, swarthy," going back to a root meaning "smoke" or "haze" — related to "dust" and "dun.".
Is “dusk” a common word?
“Dusk” is an uncommon word in modern English.
