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

Addressing climate change has been overshadowed by wars, inflation and geopolitical conflicts, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said. — Suzan Fraser, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026

But the deal is overshadowed by the spy scandal involving Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang, the most important executive of our time. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 10 Nov. 2026

The Camerimage festivities were overshadowed by events elsewhere in the country. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 Nov. 2026

America in 2026 is not Nazi Germany, but events from 88 years ago still overshadow the thinking and anxiety of millions of Jews. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 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