shadier; shadiest
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
b
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
The story’s present-day framing places you in the role of a hacker, one infiltrating shady megacorp Abstergo’s latest attempt at manipulating the past to control the future.
—
WIRED, 16 Nov. 2023
And while most of the antics many have come to expect from the category — stunts and tricks like smoke and sparklers as well as shady moves like blocking competitors with props or spraying silly string — were largely absent, the competition was still hot.
—Mikelle Street, Essence, 14 Nov. 2023
There are shady benches with exceptional views, for those less keen on the beach, and loads of gorgeous flora and fauna to admire, too.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2023
Alex also confronted Paul about his shady practices, from using spyware on their phones to his attempt to cover up problems with the Hyperion One rocket.
—Melissa Girimonte, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
For most people, the idea of identity theft conjures images of anonymous, shady hackers.
—Chloe Taylor, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2023
Sheltered by a roof overhang, this shady area is outfitted with a group of modern rocking chairs, which offer laidback yet stylish seating.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2023
After a show, Dicky got into a fight with some shady characters that worked there, who chased him out of the building and through the neighborhood.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 27 Oct. 2023
The hanging pots are large enough to fit nearly any plant — from shady pothos to fragrant bunches of basil — and the solid metal frame is designed to last.
—Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
See More
WIRED, 16 Nov. 2023
And while most of the antics many have come to expect from the category — stunts and tricks like smoke and sparklers as well as shady moves like blocking competitors with props or spraying silly string — were largely absent, the competition was still hot.
—Mikelle Street, Essence, 14 Nov. 2023
There are shady benches with exceptional views, for those less keen on the beach, and loads of gorgeous flora and fauna to admire, too.
—Sarah James, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2023
Alex also confronted Paul about his shady practices, from using spyware on their phones to his attempt to cover up problems with the Hyperion One rocket.
—Melissa Girimonte, Peoplemag, 8 Nov. 2023
For most people, the idea of identity theft conjures images of anonymous, shady hackers.
—Chloe Taylor, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2023
Sheltered by a roof overhang, this shady area is outfitted with a group of modern rocking chairs, which offer laidback yet stylish seating.
—Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2023
After a show, Dicky got into a fight with some shady characters that worked there, who chased him out of the building and through the neighborhood.
—Liza Lentini, SPIN, 27 Oct. 2023
The hanging pots are large enough to fit nearly any plant — from shady pothos to fragrant bunches of basil — and the solid metal frame is designed to last.
—Rebecca Martinson, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shady.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near shady
Cite this Entry
“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
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
More from Merriam-Webster on shady
Nglish: Translation of shady for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of shady for Arabic Speakers
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