shady

1 of 2

adjective

ˈshā-dē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: producing or affording shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

3

a

: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable

b

: disreputable

shadily

ˈshā-də-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

shadiness

2 of 2

noun

shad·​i·​ness -dēnə̇s 

-din-

plural -es

: the quality or state of being shady

shadiness of a deal

shadiness of a woodland grove

Synonyms of shady

Adjective

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Adjective

Their backyard is nice and shady.

I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are plenty of shady spots to set up and enjoy a true natural entertainment spot. — Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 2 Aug. 2026

Wait until fall to sod shady areas to prevent decline due to excessive moisture. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

His name was carved on the same gravestone as Leslie’s, on a shady plot near the sea, but his ashes were scattered somewhere far from her bones. — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026

The Shaded Seats blog suggests the shadiest seats at Sutter Health Park are behind home plate and along the third baseline, which become increasingly shaded during the afternoon at the ballpark. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shady

• cady
• lady
• zaidi
• arcady
• landlady

Kids Definition

shady

adjective

ˈshād-ē 

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

ˈshād-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshād-ē-nəs 

noun