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

In December 2024, during a roundtable discussion at the James Baldwin Centennial edition of MacDowell Presents, Liu reflected on how her reputation as an actress can sometimes overshadow her work as an artist. —Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025

The Ole Miss Rebels (10-1), seventh in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, visit the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-6) in an Egg Bowl overshadowed by the intrigue surrounding the future of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

The palette is neutral so as not to overshadow the clothing, according to Zara. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 27 Nov. 2025

Custer’s shocking defeat at the Battle of the Little Bighorn still captures the nation’s imagination, and that battle has overshadowed the long, desperate struggle by Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and others who wanted to keep their freedom and independence. —Patrick Springer, Twin Cities, 26 Nov. 2025

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