overshadow

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce overshadow (audio)
Definition of overshadownext
1
as in to obscure
to make dark, dim, or indistinct large trees overshadow the yard and darken the house for much of the day

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to outweigh
to be greater in importance than later you'll find that verbal skills overshadow any skills you have at video games

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 overshadow That goal has been overshadowed by his suggestions that Washington might seize control of Greenland or that Canada could become America’s 51st state. — Jack Dura, Fortune, 2 July 2026 Instead, Alfonzo’s first appearance, the culmination of nine tireless years, was somber , stricken by the grief overshadowing what should’ve been a joyous moment in the Dodgers’ to the Padres. — Liana Handler follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Ultimately, don't let this single decision overshadow your entire job search; focus on a comprehensive strategy including networking and interview preparation. — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Tech heavyweight Samsung Electronics fell almost 7% on Tuesday as concerns about spending and demand overshadowed a massive increase in the company’s second-quarter operating profit. — Justina Lee,alex Harring, CNBC, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for overshadow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for overshadow
  1. obscure
  2. outweigh
  3. darken
  4. blur
  5. blacken
Verb
  • While institutional incentives aren't wrong, portraying them solely as student benefits obscures a critical reality.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Crews have been seen unloading equipment from trucks this week — much of it covered or obscured — and barricades have been placed near the perimeter of the arena.
    — Meriam Bouarrouj, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Definition of obscure
Verb
  • Ultimately, Earth's tilt, day length, and sun angle are the primary determinants of seasons, far outweighing orbital distance.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Most of us, for instance, are not the oil company executives who were told about the effects of CO2 emissions back in the 1970s and decided that the threat to their business outweighed the threat to the planet.
    — Gabriel Winslow-Yost, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026
Definition of outweigh
Verb
  • Auto-correct tools generally brighten photos, but this one also knows when an image needs darkening.
    — Michael Muchmore, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026
  • Its most dramatic attack occurred last week, when hundreds of drones overwhelmed Moscow’s air defenses and hit refineries and storage tanks, sending up black plumes of smoke that darkened the sky.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026
Definition of darken
Verb
  • As Americans live longer and spend more years managing chronic illness, cognitive decline and complex healthcare needs, the traditional boundaries between estate planning, financial planning and healthcare planning are beginning to blur.
    — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Coleman, himself a musician, has intentionally blurred the lines between brewing and performance.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of blur
Verb
  • The kernels should develop dark golden spots without becoming overly blackened.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • One of the daily specials, a creamy risotto accented with a bold red pepper puree and blackened shrimp, caught my eye and satisfied my cravings for something comforting.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026
Definition of blacken

Browse Nearby Words

oversexed
overshadow
overshadowed
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Cite this Entry

“Overshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/overshadow. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on overshadow

Nglish: Translation of overshadow for Spanish Speakers

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