shady

adjective

ˈshā-dē 

shadier; shadiest

1

: producing or affording shade

2

: sheltered from the sun's rays

3

a

: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable

b

: disreputable

shadily

ˈshā-də-lē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshā-dē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of shady

• shaded
• shadowy
• shadowed
• sheltered
• darkened

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

Just be sure to use gloves or fabric, keep the animal close to the ground, and leave it somewhere shady. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025

His obsession brings him face-to-face with several shady characters affiliated with Tecca and RBMG, all while putting his job and family at risk. —Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025

Stick to official app stores and avoid APK sites, shady download portals and random links shared on messaging apps. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Nov. 2025

Tommy warns Cooper about his shady entanglements. —Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shady

• cady
• lady
• zaidi
• arcady
• landlady

Kids Definition

shady

adjective

ˈshād-ē 

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

ˈshād-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

shadiness

ˈshād-ē-nəs 

noun