overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 

overshadowed; overshadowing; overshadows

transitive verb

1

: to cast a shadow over

2

: to exceed in importance : outweigh

Synonyms of overshadow

• obscure
• darken
• blur
• blacken

Examples of overshadow in a Sentence

The pitcher's outstanding performance should not overshadow the achievements of the rest of the team.

large trees overshadow the yard and darken the house for much of the day

Recent Examples on the Web

Making Robby pricklier and more unsympathetic shows how that damage can turn a leader who once exemplified collaboration and practiced encouragement into someone whose ideals are overshadowed by his trauma. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026

In Iran, war overshadows traditional celebrations of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2026

Most notably, the Canucks parted ways with Quinn Hughes, sending him to Minnesota in a blockbuster deal that overshadowed even the Panarin acquisition. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 23 Mar. 2026

Already, though, the country has been swept by scenes of desperation and displacement that have been overshadowed by events in Iran and the Gulf. —Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for overshadow

• caddo
• foreshadow

Kids Definition

overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō 

1

: to cast a shadow over : darken

2

: to become more important than : outweigh

the win overshadowed the player's injury