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

Trump’s trip to Beijing this week to meet with his Chinese counterpart has already been delayed once, with worries that Iran will overshadow other key agenda items like tariffs and rare earths. —Katie Foley, CNBC, 11 May 2026

There is a fine line between elevating the league and overshadowing it. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 10 May 2026

With Misiorowski also allowing just two hits – a pair of singles from José Caballero – the right-hander overshadowed Jones’ big league debut. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026

It was mishap masked and overshadowed by the Timberwolves looking more like some washed up hoopers struggling at the local Lifetime Fitness rather than a group trying to reach the Western Conference Finals for the third straight season. —Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 9 May 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