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

Continue reading … HOLD YOUR BREATH — Giants' season-opening high comes crashing down as Jaxson Dart's knee injury overshadows Rams' blowout win. — FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

It has surely been overshadowed by this brand new lunar beauty mark. — Monisha Ravisetti, Space.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Burton's historic repeat was overshadowed by teammate Mark Spitz winning a record seven gold medals and the deadly terrorist attack on the athletes' village, which occurred the day after Burton's race. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

It was overshadowed completely by the film adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by my countryman Norman Jewison and released a few months after our film, to big crowds and grosses. — Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 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