shadier; shadiest
Synonyms of shadynext
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Their backyard is nice and shady. I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moss and algae thrive in damp, shady locations. Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 16 May 2026 Teaming up with Lucian to find the cure, Jim goes on an adventure through the city that brings him up close with all the tribes Jim would usually shun, from submissives in pup masks to shady but protective drag queens to the bears — amusingly depicted here as literal bears. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 15 May 2026 Trouble erupts when Rob-Will kills one of 10 Petal’s ranch hands, Wes (Nakoa DeCoite), after Wes begins to suspect his boss is involved in some shady business dealings. Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Add them to containers or shady flower beds to add a pop of color. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

shady

adjective
shadier; shadiest
1
: casting a shadow : giving shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
a shady grove
3
: not right or honest
a shady business deal
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shady

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster