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

But overshadowed by the explosive years that would follow, this critical period has largely been treated as dormant Black history. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

For decades, Indiana’s football team was overshadowed by its storied basketball program — but no longer. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 20 Jan. 2026

Continue reading … STORMY SEAS – Miami standout's brilliant two-touchdown game overshadowed by postgame altercation. —FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026

During their stint, the pair relive the highs and lows of high school — which sometimes overshadows the task at hand. —Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 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