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

It was overshadowed completely by the film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by my countryman Norman Jewison and released a few months after our film, to big crowds and grosses. — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Leadership can become misaligned when the freedom that comes with being in charge begins to overshadow the responsibility that accompanies it. — Laura Muirhead, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Rising Secondary Michigan’s secondary was overshadowed a bit by the defensive front in the preseason, but no one should be sleeping on the defensive backs. — Austin Meek, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Because of poor pass blocking by multiple Chargers teams, Herbert has developed bad habits that his very good seasons overshadowed. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 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