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

Morgan Stanley sees shortages for memory on core components like DRAM and NAND overshadowing potential drags on the stock in the form of higher capital expenditures or limited disclosure on customer deals. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 22 June 2026

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party retained its large parliamentary majority in recent elections overshadowed by unrest in Africa’s second-most-populous country. — Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 22 June 2026

Not to be overshadowed by the outfielder’s efforts, Cody Morrissette also went 3 for 5, with one home run, as well as driving home Wallner with a two-out single to end the game. — Staff Report, Twin Cities, 21 June 2026

So far, however, data centers’ benefits are overshadowed by more visible harms. — Rachel Mural, Fortune, 21 June 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