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

Dennis was so talented, even though his brothers overshadowed him his entire life. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2026

Nikopol, in southern Ukraine, rarely makes the headlines – overshadowed by the threats to the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant directly across the river. — Daria Tarasova-Markina, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Inspired by the Alhambra in Spain’s Granada, the mosque has a 33-meter (108-foot)-high minaret that overlooks the Seine River — complementing but not overshadowing the twin towers of nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. — ABC News, 18 July 2026

My sweet mother-in-law was in hospice care, and getting her evacuated comfortably overshadowed any home prep. — Kristy Woodson Harvey, Southern Living, 18 July 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