Synonyms of overshadow

overshadow

verb

ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 

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

• obscure
• darken
• blur
• blacken
• dim
• cloud
• shadow
• becloud
• shroud
• mist
• conceal
• obliterate
• overcast
• haze
• fog
• hide
• befog
• bedim
• cover
• overcloud
• eclipse
• fuzz (up)
• dislimn
• shade
• blear
• blot out
• mask
• disguise
• veil
• curtain
• adumbrate
• screen
• camouflage
• cloak

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lighten
• illuminate
• light (up)
• brighten
• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• illumine
• unveil

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

• outweigh
• exceed
• outrank
• overbalance
• matter
• overweigh
• mean
• signify
• weigh
• outstrip
• transcend
• import
• dwarf
• surpass
• count

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of overshadow

That last period overshadowed what had been an inconsistent day for the passing offense. — Zach Berman, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Oman, located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is often overshadowed by its wealthier, more conspicuous neighbors, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and by its more tumultuous neighbor, Yemen. — Vivian Salama, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026

Apollo had pioneered a new credit and insurance business that was quickly overshadowing its LBO business. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026

The league has continued to sell out games and draw TV viewers this year, but its season threatens to be overshadowed by a culture war. — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026