The term 'darkens' can be broken down into four crossword solutions: BEDIMS (6 letters), TANS (4 letters), DIMS (4 letters), and SHADOWS (7 letters). BEDIMS is a verb meaning to make something less bright or obscure. TANS is a verb meaning to make something darker in color, usually through exposure to the sun. DIMS is a verb meaning to make something less bright or visible. Finally, SHADOWS is a noun referring to an area of darkness created by blocking out light. All of these words are related to the concept of darkening something, either through obscuring it or making it darker in color.