shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈsha-dō-ē 

-də-wē

1

a

: of the nature of or resembling a shadow

b

: faintly perceptible : indistinct

2

: being in or obscured by shadow

deep shadowy interiors

3

a

: shady sense 1

b

: shady sense 3

shadowily

ˈsha-də-wə-lē 

adverb

shadowiness

ˈsha-də-wē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of shadowy

• vague
• faint
• hazy

Examples of shadowy in a Sentence

She was pursued by a shadowy figure.

He had only a shadowy idea of what they wanted him to do.

Recent Examples on the Web

Governed by shadowy Pluto, this Water sign is quite polarizing, given its intensity and smoldering passion. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

The footage featured stormy seas, the infamous Trojan Horse, and a tense exchange between Holland's Telemachus and a shadowy figure played by Jon Bernthal about Odysseus's fate. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Dec. 2025

The set dressing is messy and shadowy, and yet, performance-wise, Gaga has never seemed more exhilarated. —Chris Willman, Variety, 22 Dec. 2025

Assassin’s Creed is a high-octane thriller centered on the secret war between two shadowy factions — one set on determining mankind’s future through control and manipulation, while the other fights to preserve free will. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈshad-ə-wē 

1

a

: not realistic

shadowy dreams of glory

b

: dim as a shadow

the shadowy area between good and bad

2

: full of shade

a shadowy lane