1
a
: rigid in or as if in death
b
: rigidly conforming (as to a pattern or doctrine) : absolute
stark discipline
4
5
: sharply delineated
a stark contrast
starkly
adverb
starkness
noun
1
: in a stark manner
2
: to an absolute or complete degree : wholly
stark naked
stark mad
Synonyms
Examples of stark in a Sentence
Adjective
The room was decorated with stark simplicity.
the stark reality of death
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving.
There is a stark difference between them.
His criticism of the movie stands in stark contrast to the praise it has received from others.
Recent Examples on the Web
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Babitz, in stark contrast to Didion, was a writer who was instantly forgotten, obscure before she was known.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Shira Ovide, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2020
The divide is stark between the two categories of states.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2020
See all Example Sentences for stark 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
According to the team, this stark result makes the case that social learning is what’s happening.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Babitz, in stark contrast to Didion, was a writer who was instantly forgotten, obscure before she was known.
—Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024
Adverb
But the lack of health insurance, sick pay and other protections for many Americans, including Uber contractors, is stark now.
—Shira Ovide, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2020
The divide is stark between the two categories of states.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2020
See all Example Sentences for stark
Dictionary Entries Near stark
Cite this Entry
“Stark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stark. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stark
1 of 2 adjective1
2
a
: stiff sense 1, motionless
stark in death
b
: inflexible sense 3, strict
stark discipline
3
: sheer entry 1 sense 2a, utter
stark nonsense
4
a
: barren entry 1 sense 2a, desolate
a stark landscape
b
: having few or no ornaments : bare
starkly
adverb
stark
2 of 2 adverb
: wholly, absolutely
stark mad
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share