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

But like Jim Cramer, Bank of America warns investors against letting the courtroom drama overshadow the long-term opportunity. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Nineteen months after the Palisades Fire leveled much of the seaside community, scars of the blaze are increasingly overshadowed by signs of progress. — N. Kirkpatrick, Washington Post, 23 Aug. 2026

At their worst, a cloud of quarterback instability overshadowed the season. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

This annual launch window systematically overshadows events like IFA Berlin, depriving mid-range Android devices of crucial media attention. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 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