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

On a day when the action on the field was overshadowed by five players from the Iranian team being granted asylum by host nation Australia, Japan's 4-0 win over Vietnam ensured a spot for the Philippines on goal difference. —ABC News, 10 Mar. 2026

Some have even suggested that the renovation overshadowed the news this week that Travis Kelce will, in fact, be returning for a 14th NFL season. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026

This electoral period has been overshadowed by violence, with the presidential frontrunner for the Democratic Center party, Miguel Uribe, dying in August after being shot at a campaign rally. —Alfie Pannell, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026

Their success, though, was overshadowed by the preceding chaos. —Jack Lang, New York Times, 9 Mar. 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