dark energy

noun

: a hypothetical form of energy that produces a force that opposes gravity and is thought to be the cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe

Examples of dark energy in a Sentence

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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.
Its survey will produce huge amounts of data and could solve several cosmic mysteries, with potential achievements ranging from understanding dark energy to detecting exoplanets—and finding some things astronomers don’t even know about yet. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026 Astronomers are very excited about Roman, for it's expected to discover thousands of new exoplanets and shed light on mysterious dark energy and dark matter, among other accomplishments. — Mike Wall, Space.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Cosmologists are eager to learn more about dark energy, an unseen force that, according to the Standard Model of the Universe, makes up about 70 percent of the cosmos and is responsible for accelerating the Universe’s expansion. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 31 Aug. 2026 This flagship observatory aims to revolutionize astronomy by mapping over two billion galaxies, discovering 100,000 exoplanets, and investigating dark energy and dark matter. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark energy

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark energy was in 1998

Rhymes for dark energy

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Browse Nearby Words

darkener
dark energy
darken someone's door/doors
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Cite this Entry

“Dark energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20energy. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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