shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈsha-dō-ē 

-də-wē

1

a

: of the nature of or resembling a shadow

b

: faintly perceptible : indistinct

2

: being in or obscured by shadow

deep shadowy interiors

3

a

: shady sense 1

b

: shady sense 3

shadowily

ˈsha-də-wə-lē 

adverb

shadowiness

ˈsha-də-wē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• vague
• faint
• hazy

Examples of shadowy in a Sentence

She was pursued by a shadowy figure.

He had only a shadowy idea of what they wanted him to do.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the shadowy entities that created him aren’t satisfied to leave him in peace. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Sep. 2025

Her glam included such standout elements as bold brows and shadowy eye makeup, along with the wet hair trend. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

The Philippines has also accused China’s shadowy maritime militia of destroying coral reefs in the South China Sea. —Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025

During the May interview, Harry made all sorts of incendiary claims, alleging mistreatment by his father and supposed shadowy figures in the royal establishment. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈshad-ə-wē 

1

a

: not realistic

shadowy dreams of glory

b

: dim as a shadow

the shadowy area between good and bad

2

: full of shade

a shadowy lane