shade 1 of 2

noun

ˈshād How to pronounce shade (audio)
Definition of shadenext
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

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2
as in shadows
a time or place of little or no light enjoying the cool shade of the evening

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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

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4
as in splash
a very small amount just a shade taller than his dance partner

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5
as in apparition
the soul of a dead person thought of especially as appearing to living people spirits and shades haunting the night

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shade

2 of 2

verb

as in to protect
to shelter (something) from light and heat the trees shaded us quite nicely from the noonday sun

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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
Noun
Ever since cars were introduced, drivers and shade-tree mechanics have been tinkering, wrenching and buying add-ons to improve their vehicles’ capabilities. — Matt Degen, AJC.com, 31 July 2026 Shedeur, 24, was seen walking around the field after practice with the former Dallas Cowboys star, who wore a cowboy hat and his trademark shades. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Verb
Repurposing old patio or beach umbrellas offers a budget-friendly way to shade tomato plants during heatwaves. — The Spruce, 27 July 2026 Because of a concussion, Shanahan shaded himself from the South Bay sun with a black cap and sunglasses, complemented by a thick mustache that resembled Tom Selleck’s. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shade
  1. shadow
  2. shadows
  3. hue
  4. splash
  5. apparition
  6. protect
  7. dusk
  8. dark
Noun
  • The shadow of Ganymede could be seen on the planet which was impressive.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The moon's shadow will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Spain, and Portugal, offering up to 2 minutes 18 seconds of totality.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of shadow
Noun
  • Mixing a sharp slider with a changeup and fastball from the sunshine into the shadows early in the game, Cease had very little hard contact.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • And as eye makeup continues its renaissance–with colorful liners, statement shadows and playful mascaras everywhere from the catwalks to TikTok–there’s never been a better time to experiment.
    — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 24 July 2026
Definition of shadows
Noun
  • That brighter hue can be spotted in the lacquered hour and minute hands as well as the central chronograph’s seconds hand and the date disc, while white comes into play on the dial and the minutes track.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2026
  • That's followed just two weeks later with a spectacular lunar eclipse that sees the moon fall deep into our planet's shadow, painting it a rusty-orange hue, weather permitting.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of hue
Noun
  • Designed to feel more like island residential living, all accommodations include a kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and private outdoor space set against a palette of deep earth tones and splashes of aqua blue.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The Philadelphia Phillies made one of the biggest splashes of the trade deadline by acquiring three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, a move designed to strengthen an offense that has struggled for consistency during stretches of the 2026 season.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of splash
Noun
  • That is, until miraculous apparitions turn it into a place to be.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 17 July 2026
  • The music starts to shift beginning with the third episode, when Lestat becomes overwhelmed by the apparition of his abusive maker and other ghosts, including Claudia, whose killing he’d been forced to witness firsthand.
    — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026
Definition of apparition
Verb
  • That’s why the systems are built with redundancy — typically to protect against natural disasters, cut cables and the like, but now for attacks, as well.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • From as early as April, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country’s energy and infrastructure facilities are fully operational and reliably protected for the next heating season.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Noun
  • Bears are most active after the sun goes down, or even at dawn or dusk, according to Fish and Game.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 29 July 2026
  • Sundown Sundays are summer fun-days (and ideal to combat any Sunday Scaries) with a growing crowd through dusk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of dusk
Noun
  • Dusk is easing into dark on the Cape Fear River when Max Cady (Javier Bardem) steps out of his car near Bluff’s Point.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
  • Overnight lows will also remain nearly 10 degrees above normal across the West, offering little relief even after dark.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of dark

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Cite this Entry

“Shade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shade. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shade

Nglish: Translation of shade for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shade

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