shady

1 of 2

adjective

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

shadiness

2 of 2

noun

shad·​i·​ness -dēnə̇s How to pronounce shadiness (audio)
-din-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being shady
shadiness of a deal
shadiness of a woodland grove

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Adjective 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.
Adjective
Prune Overgrown Plants Long overgrown plants, shrubs, and trees also offer sheltering spots for ticks and keep yards damp and shady, which is just the sort of habitat ticks love. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 Hikers dip into shady trails lined with thick brush, a favorite path being the Myakka Canopy Walkway, which offers a rare peek into the ecosystems—both minuscule and massive—within the swampy marshland. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 June 2026 Cohen claims Unilever has effectively strangled all of the socially conscious efforts on which the brand was built, using shady corporate tactics to dismiss the ice cream company’s oversight board among other issues. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026 Matsui campaign strategist Roger Salazar clapped back against the allegations of shady PAC spending Friday, pointing to super PAC spending on Vang’s behalf. Mathew Miranda june 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

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Cite this Entry

“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 10 Jun. 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

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