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

Whitehead took a right at a sign depicting a dozing fisherman, continuing up a shady road toward the bay. —Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 22 June 2026

Plants in shady areas, blocked by other foliage, or in pots and containers without sun exposure can struggle to photosynthesize. —Nishaa Sharma, The Spruce, 20 June 2026

Consider moving the plants to a shadier location on a patio, porch, or under a tree. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 June 2026

Swap plants Some plants, like English ivy and bamboo, allow mosquitoes to thrive in moist, shady environments. —Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

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