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

Unions serve as a vital counterbalance in an economy where corporate profits and executive salaries often overshadow the needs of the workforce. — Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026

But the truth is that Scott’s performance is so extraordinary that other aspects of Simon Stone’s film — which The Hollywood Reporter’s critic has argued is solid but less spectacular — could be overshadowed. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2026

The ballroom project, a hulking party venue that overshadows the White House’s main building and its modest neoclassical design, could be another. — Janay Kingsberry, The Atlantic, 5 Sep. 2026

In recent weeks, ongoing debate regarding the eligibility of transgender players in the WNBA has made the league a lightning rod for controversy, at times overshadowing the elite basketball being played during the 2026 season. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 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