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

Yet all that business has been overshadowed by the Alvarez saga. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The forecast overshadowed solid guidance for the fiscal year ending July 2027. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026

Has the public become so starstruck that somebodies in less glamorous professions have been overshadowed? — Sam Roberts, Longreads, 11 Aug. 2026

The election campaign has been overshadowed by weeks of protests led by the JAAC, which has urged residents to boycott the vote. — ABC News, 10 Aug. 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