1
as in shadow
partial darkness due to the obstruction of light rays
it was hard to see in the shade after being in the brilliant sunlight the trees cast shade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light
enjoying the cool shade of the evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in hue
a property that becomes apparent when light falls on an object and by which things that are identical in form can be distinguished
a lovely shade of blue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in splash
a very small amount
just a shade taller than his dance partner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in apparition
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people
spirits and shades haunting the night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of shade
Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Though the mother of three has made subtle changes to her hair color over the years, this latest hairstyle appears to be the lightest shade she's opted for since joining the royal family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025
But Slate also shades Nikki with such specific nuances, anxieties, and sadnesses that, even with a performance as powerful as Williams’s at its center, the show develops into a two-hander, something of a love story between the pair.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shade
Noun
From stern to bow, the boat was a lesson in restrained elegance, with plenty of teak wood and muted, calming shades.
—Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025
Though the mother of three has made subtle changes to her hair color over the years, this latest hairstyle appears to be the lightest shade she's opted for since joining the royal family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
Third, my plant has spread out like a mat, covering the ground so that roots are constantly shaded and cool.
—Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025
But Slate also shades Nikki with such specific nuances, anxieties, and sadnesses that, even with a performance as powerful as Williams’s at its center, the show develops into a two-hander, something of a love story between the pair.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shade
Noun
-
New Light Show Eventually, the NuPhy team managed to create a homogenous light source by placing the LEDs at different angles to the beans and that eliminated the shadows.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Ortega, who has lived in the shadows of the Coliseum since moving from Nayarit, Mexico, in 1992, said Oakland needed more days like these after the departures of three pro sports teams.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
From Hertz's controversial AI vehicle scanners to hotel vape detectors, to airline pricing algorithms possibly jacking up fares, these systems operate in the shadows while your wallet takes a hit.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Two Pianos begins in the thick of night, saturated in the sepia shadows of the Vieux Lyon quarter’s historic architecture and cobblestone streets, and moves gradually toward a crisp autumn light.—
Sheri Linden,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In their place were mostly blank walls and eggshell hues.—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The strands boast a medley of maple leaves, pumpkins, and pinecones in earthy hues that add a pop of color to a mantel without looking over the top.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Amiron Zero are designed to be resistant to dust and splashes thanks to the IP54 rating.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Specifically, brown trousers in a wide-leg style seem to be making the biggest splash among the fashion pros.—
Mayte Salido,
Glamour,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Ahead of the 500-year anniversary of the Virgin Mary’s apparition in Tepeyac, Mexico, the sculpture is embarking on a worldwide tour, with visits scheduled to Colombia, Puerto Rico and the Philippines, among other places.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
-
In Lockwood’s world, the apparition of a saint is not strictly strange.—
Alexandra Schwartz,
New Yorker,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Michôd says that Sweeney was initially tentative about Martin's involvement, wanting to protect her own creative space, but opened up upon realizing that Martin wasn't going to try and control her performance.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Sources close to Spence, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, described him as an introvert to The Athletic in February.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Mothers will return there only to feed the babies, usually twice a day at dawn and at dusk, and the kits are at risk from predators including dogs and cats.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
-
People can reduce mosquito bites by avoiding dark clothing, minimizing outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Unlike some products that promise glow-in-the-dark illumination that barely shows, our testers found that the Takeya Actives Kids Water Bottle fully delivered on its promise.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Speaking of headlights, the Concept C gets narrow ones with four elements that switch in place between daytime running lamps and proper projector beams for use after dark.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shade. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share