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

There was money, manipulation, secret meetings with shady characters in China, fake identities, lies, trickery, and deceit. — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

Our favorite spots to lounge were the roof deck loungers and the padded bench seating beneath shady palm fronds in the atrium courtyard. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026

The paint was soon being mass-produced in Europe, inspiring shady dealings that even included outright grave robbing to acquire as many mummies as possible. — Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 29, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

The Coyote’s pavilion, with its shady trees and its view of the Fort Worth skyline, will stay with the park and serve as a space for dining, entertainment, and recreation. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 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