shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈsha-dō-ē How to pronounce shadowy (audio)
-də-wē
Synonyms of shadowynext
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
shadowily adverb
shadowiness noun

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
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.
Through conversations with Noah (Colin Firth), head of the shadowy WARDEX corporation, Jane starts to have second thoughts about helping Daniel leak the extraterrestrial documents. Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 June 2026 As a general rule, North-facing rooms benefit from warm colors to counteract cool, shadowy light, while South-facing rooms can handle richer colors and true whites under abundant golden light. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2026 But given the governing bodies’ reputation for shadowy financial doings, there are reasons to think much of the money will never be properly accounted for. Stefan Szymanski, Fortune, 12 June 2026 In the new film, a shadowy government organization, not a handful of ethically minded scientists, tries to hide the existence and terrestrial visitations of aliens. Emma Gometz, Scientific American, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shadowy

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadowy was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowy. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

shadowy

adjective
shad·​owy ˈshad-ə-wē How to pronounce shadowy (audio)
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

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