overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce overshadow (audio)
overshadowed; overshadowing; overshadows

transitive verb

1
: to cast a shadow over
2
: to exceed in importance : outweigh

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the outcome was overshadowed by the recent actions of Trump and congressional Republicans. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 Ja Morant | 6-2 guard | Murray State | 2019 Morant was overshadowed by Williamson during his pre-draft year but was a special prospect in his own right. Sam Vecenie, New York Times, 19 June 2025 But they are overshadowed by the simple fact that neither Israel nor the US intends to occupy Iran. Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 19 June 2025 But whatever Powell says might well be overshadowed by Trump, who will no doubt complain this afternoon that Powell did not cut rates. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for overshadow

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of overshadow was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overshadow. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

overshadow

verb
over·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce overshadow (audio)
1
: to cast a shadow over : darken
2
: to become more important than : outweigh
the win overshadowed the player's injury

More from Merriam-Webster on overshadow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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