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

Finally, the jury would be instructed that OpenAI deleted billions of logs, which would play into news plaintiffs’ narrative that OpenAI has been moving in shady ways to obscure alleged substitution in the market since the case began. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026

Tiffany Haddish is reacting to the White House’s shady response to one of her Jimmy Kimmel Live punchlines. — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

Known for their striking foliage and flowers, these hosta varieties will look great in a shady garden. — Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 6 July 2026

Much like its predecessor, Yellowstone, the show leans into themes of rural politics and shady Western dealings — all the hallmarks that Taylor Sheridan fans know and love. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 July 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