shadier; shadiest
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
b
Examples of shady in a Sentence
Their backyard is nice and shady.
I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.
Recent Examples on the Web
Some of his own employees took to X to suggest that this sounded at best unpersuasive and at worst shady.
—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
In the novel, Quirke follows a trail starting with the dead young woman of the title, and some shady behavior by his own brother, Malachy, a local obstetrician, who Quirke catches changing the cause of death.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Planting azaleas in open but shady areas also helps to control leaf spots.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Enjoy the Hill Country Scenery and Trails Both locals and travelers love to frequent the stunning blue waters at Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park, which offers 126 acres including shady trails and a crisp, clear swimming hole adorned with rope swings.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shady
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Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
In the novel, Quirke follows a trail starting with the dead young woman of the title, and some shady behavior by his own brother, Malachy, a local obstetrician, who Quirke catches changing the cause of death.
—John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026
Planting azaleas in open but shady areas also helps to control leaf spots.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2026
Enjoy the Hill Country Scenery and Trails Both locals and travelers love to frequent the stunning blue waters at Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park, which offers 126 acres including shady trails and a crisp, clear swimming hole adorned with rope swings.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shady
Cite this Entry
“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shady
adjective
shadier; shadiest
1
: casting a shadow : giving shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
a shady grove
3
: not right or honest
a shady business deal
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