1
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly
the shadowy area between tough interrogation and torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shady
protected from the sun's rays
a shadowy lane that is a mosaic of colors during the autumn foliage season
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 shadowy
Her glam included such standout elements as bold brows and shadowy eye makeup, along with the wet hair trend.
—
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
The Philippines has also accused China’s shadowy maritime militia of destroying coral reefs in the South China Sea.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
During the May interview, Harry made all sorts of incendiary claims, alleging mistreatment by his father and supposed shadowy figures in the royal establishment.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Across the three hearings, several witnesses – including journalists and high-ranking military members – have testified under oath about shadowy military programs to retrieve and study not only interstellar alien craft, but the extraterrestrial pilots themselves.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
The Philippines has also accused China’s shadowy maritime militia of destroying coral reefs in the South China Sea.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
During the May interview, Harry made all sorts of incendiary claims, alleging mistreatment by his father and supposed shadowy figures in the royal establishment.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Across the three hearings, several witnesses – including journalists and high-ranking military members – have testified under oath about shadowy military programs to retrieve and study not only interstellar alien craft, but the extraterrestrial pilots themselves.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
Adjective
-
Harris left her political future up in the air, providing vague details about her plans going forward.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The college did not advertise the underlying purpose of the land transfer ahead of Tuesday’s vote, posting only a vague agenda describing plans to convey unnamed property to Florida’s Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund.—
Claire Heddles,
Miami Herald,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And Kimmel’s unprecedented defenestration joins a wave of cultural clampdown that crested earlier this year, when Colbert got the shady can from his parent company, likely for mocking the President.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Fake stores, phishing scams, and shady links can put your data at risk.—
Kurt Knutsson
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links.,
FOXNews.com,
21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
And that voice in my head — the one bullying me to work harder — was growing a little fainter by the day.—
Jack Korngold,
Rolling Stone,
28 Sep. 2025
-
Those figures are a faint piece of context when positioned next to the two numbers that matter, 11 1/2 and 4 1/2, but are part of the total story this week.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
On the shaded side of Rio Vista’s Main Street, where the road climbs away from the Sacramento River, sits Foster’s Bighorn, the bar and restaurant that has occupied this spot for 90 years.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Lemon Chiffon and Sundew, Classic Yellow and Armagnac—all evoke dusty landscapes and hazy sunlight.—
Tim Nelson,
Architectural Digest,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Frosted glass has an opaque, hazy finish that provides privacy while still allowing in light.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shadowy. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share