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

• 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

The West Coast has long been Delta Air Lines’ quieter stronghold—strategic, but often overshadowed by the airline’s dominance in Atlanta and New York. —AFAR Media, 4 Aug. 2025

Richardson's pattern of off-track issues threatens to overshadow her athletic achievements and raises questions about athlete conduct standards. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025

While also triumphant in Sacramento, Pizza Port was overshadowed by the strong showing of San Diego’s Barley & Sword. —Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

Flood relief is part of the special session that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott convened July 21, and was the subject of a legislative hearing Thursday in Kerrville, but it has been largely overshadowed by the bitter and partisan redistricting battle. —John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 1 Aug. 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