shadier; shadiest
Synonyms of shadynext
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

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
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.
Place your propane tank in a mostly shady location a few feet from your house. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026 In several cases, devices sold as simple media streamers appear to quietly turn your home internet connection into part of larger networks used for shady online activity. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026 At the end of the third episode, Pine and Álvarez track Teddy's helicopter to a secretive meeting in a remote location, and stumble upon a house registered to Hanson — shady! Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026 The bill is meant to explicitly prohibit that kind of shady transaction. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids 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
shadily adverb
shadiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on shady

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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