Pitch-dark outside vs pitch-black outside

Both 'pitch-dark outside' and 'pitch-black outside' are correct ways to describe a very dark night or environment.

Explained by Michele A.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 06, 2025 • 6008 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a very dark night or environment.

"Pitch-dark outside"

This phrase is used to emphasize the extreme darkness of the night or environment.

Examples:

It was pitch-dark outside, and I couldn't see a thing.
The room was pitch-dark when the power went out.

Show examples from the web [+]

You will be doing this in pitch-dark.
Fate flies like a rocket in one huge parabola, Sometimes along a rainbow, but mostly in the pitch-dark cupola.
Sometimes along a rainbow, but mostly in the pitch-dark cupola.
Just before the bombs fell It would be pitch-dark, and get very quiet,
Inside, outside, inside outside.
My question clearly concerned exports outside the common market, outside the Union.
I mean outside private - outside.
Just ignore the garden gnome outside your bedroom window.
Patrol found a guy outside the walls.
Surveillance unit's been outside all day.
This list you left outside my door...
That blonde outside of walgreens was getting signatures.
Agent Jeff Hickman has been murdered outside Hubbard memorial hospital.
Outside his house yelling at danny.
So Jack just took Eric outside.
That training camp, outside of town.
There's a welcoming committee right outside.
CIB will standby outside the designated area.
Go outside and feed the beast.
Took this outside her place today.

Alternatives:

pitch-black outside
completely dark outside
very dark outside
totally dark outside
absolutely dark outside

This phrase is correct and commonly used to describe a very dark night or environment.

"pitch-black outside"

This phrase is used to emphasize the extreme darkness of the night or environment.

Examples:

It was pitch-black outside, and I couldn't see a thing.
The alley was pitch-black at night.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was still pitch black outside, but I knew I just had to get it out of my head right there and then.

Alternatives:

pitch-dark outside
completely dark outside
very dark outside
totally dark outside
absolutely dark outside

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Pitch-dark outside vs pitch-black outside

"Pitch-dark outside"

"pitch-black outside"

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