shady

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

Synonyms of shady

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

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

Keep the cuttings in a shady site and mist several times a day to have plants ready for containers or other flower beds in about a month. — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026

These shady sites are great nap spots for rattlesnakes, which are common to the area. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

In early May, a man walking his dog through his north Charlotte neighborhood spotted what appeared to be someone standing still by a tree in a shady churchyard. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026

Move pots to light shade or to a spot that is shady during the afternoon. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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