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

Her worst outcome is that a valid grievance begins to look like an all-consuming battle, with aggression overshadowing principle and the fight itself becoming the story. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026

The past, in cases like this, is not erased entirely — but it is reframed, diluted, and in some cases overshadowed by new identities. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Apr. 2026

Christian Petersen / Getty Images The women’s Final Four was overshadowed, in part, by an incident between two of the faces of the sport, UConn coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 Apr. 2026

The intent is to help clients stay grounded and prepared as decisions progress, complementing the legal work without overshadowing it. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 1 Apr. 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