Cd_{1  −  x}Ag_xS nanoparticles were synthesized by a simple cost-effective chemical method in air atmosphere. We have achieved novel hybrid ternary nanoparticles of high quality. The prepared samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform-Raman, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. The results revealed that Ag₂S nanoparticles were well dispersed on CdS nanoparticles demonstrating gradual structural change in Cd_{1  −  x}Ag_xS from cubic CdS to monoclinic Ag₂S nanoparticles with the increase in x value. The interesting feature is that the visible-light absorption of CdS was enhanced by Ag giving rise to significant bandgap thereby forming the key aspect in solar cell and photocatalytic applications