Do you need words to describe a street at night for the novel you’re writing? Let us help you get your book written. Use the following 10 words to write a mysterious street setting when the sun has gone down.
1. Dark
Definition
Lacking or partially lacking in light; demonstrating or having evil or nefarious traits.
Examples
“The street in front of him was dark and unwelcoming. He wasn’t sure how badly he wanted to continue.”
“The dark street was before them, and they knew that they would have to be careful where they stepped because it was so hard to see.”
How It Adds Description
Dark is a good word to use if the street your character is walking down is literally dark and it will be hard to see. It can also be used to indicate that something, or somebody with dark plans may be lurking there.
2. Dim
Definition
Having very little or insufficient light; dull; faint or unable to be seen distinctly.
Examples
“Although the street was dim, she could still make out the outlines of some of the houses that lined it.”
“There were streetlights, but the dark and the mist made it very dim.”
How It Adds Description
Perhaps the street you’re describing isn’t entirely dark, but there is little enough light that your character will have a difficult time seeing. In a situation like this, you could accurately describe the street as being dim.
3. Gloomy
Definition
Completely or partially dark, usually in a way that feels depressing; lacking in promise.
Examples
“Looking at the street now, she could see how dark and gloomy it was.”
“The gloomy street was laid out before them, and with nowhere else to go, they began to follow the road to wherever it would lead them next.”
How It Adds Description
Using the word gloomy will help readers get a better visual of how dark the street is. At the same time, gloomy is a great word to help emphasize the emotional effect the street may be having on your characters.
4. Somber
Definition
Of a grave or gloomy mood or demeanor; colored darkly.
Examples
“The air was very still and somber all around them as they continued down the street.”
“She hadn’t taken many steps down the road when she was struck by how grim and somber the atmosphere was—she wondered if something bad might have happened there before.”
How It Adds Description
Because this word can be used to describe something that is literally dark, it’s a good way to describe a street at night. It’s also an effective way to make the scene feel much more serious for a character as they explore the street.
5. Obscure
Definition
Difficult to see fully; hidden by darkness; dim.
Examples
“The fog had started to roll in, making the road ahead even more obscure and hard to follow.”
“The darkness made the street obscure, and she wondered if this really was the one they needed to take.”
How It Adds Description
Describing the road that your character is walking down as obscure will tell readers that your character is going to have a hard time seeing. This can make the overall mood more serious, and your readers may worry that something might happen to your character.
6. Remote
Definition
Far away in space, time, or in relation; separated by an interval than is greater than normal; distant.
Examples
“Somehow, the lack of light made the street ahead feel even more remote.”
“The street was remote and far away from the rest of the city. She worried about getting lost.”
How It Adds Description
If you are trying to make the street you’re describing feel even more ominous, then consider using the word remote. Readers will get a much clearer idea of how isolated the street is, which can help it feel even darker.
7. Narrow
Definition
Not wide; having a slender width.
Examples
“The street was empty which she supposed she should be grateful for—it was so narrow, and if others had been on it, she was sure she’d have a hard time navigating around them.”
“At night, the street seemed even more narrow than it had in the daylight.”
How It Adds Description
At night, the darkness of the street you’re describing can make it feel claustrophobic. You can add to that feeling for both your characters and readers by describing the street as narrow.
8. Quiet
Definition
Having no or very little sound; free from noise; secluded.
Examples
“In the day, there was probably a lot of activity on the street, but now that it was night, all was quiet.”
“At first he thought he heard someone’s voice, but when he tried listening more intently, the quiet street revealed nothing.”
How It Adds Description
At night, a street is much more likely to be quiet than it is during the day. That makes this word a good one to describe it. It can make the street feel tranquil and peaceful or, if a street is a little too quiet, it can also help your characters and readers feel more uneasy.
9. Still
Definition
Lacking in or demonstrating no movement; calm or quiet; having no sound.
Examples
“The wind stopped as he turned onto the street, leaving everything completely still.”
“Earlier when she’d been on the street, there had been people bustling about, busy with errands. Now that it was night, it had all fallen still.”
How It Adds Description
Describing the street in your story as being very still can emphasize how quiet and dark the street is. Something ominous could also emerge from the stillness if you are writing a thriller or horror, for instance.
10. Tranquil
Definition
Having no turmoil or disturbances; free from any agitation.
Examples
“The busyness of the street had made it feel so energetic and crowded, but as night fell, it became much more tranquil.”
“The quiet made the street feel tranquil, and the only thing that disturbed the quiet was the sound of an owl hooting somewhere nearby.”
How It Adds Description
Although a street could be frightening or ominous at night, it can also be peaceful and calm. If your dark street fits into the latter category, you can describe it as tranquil to give readers a sense of how peaceful it is at night.