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
Gerson Freitas Jr./bloomberg, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
That comes in stark contrast to multiple reports that the EV maker would delay its plans for a budget-friendly car in favor of its self-driving ambitions.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stark 
Adjective
The initial study results offer a stark indication of how quickly a virus that has killed millions of birds globally is spreading among U.S. dairy cows, raising health and food security woes while spooking markets.
—Gerson Freitas Jr./bloomberg, TIME, 26 Apr. 2024
That comes in stark contrast to multiple reports that the EV maker would delay its plans for a budget-friendly car in favor of its self-driving ambitions.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 26 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stark
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stark.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near stark
Cite this Entry
“Stark.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stark. Accessed 4 May. 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
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