shadowy

adjective

ˈsha-dō-ē How to pronounce shadowy (audio)
Definition of shadowynext
1
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly the shadowy area between tough interrogation and torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The act behind the most bewildering ambient techno of the past 15 years is not a shadowy syndicate or group of evil geniuses. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 July 2026 Rubin will look for undiscovered asteroids (including potentially hazardous ones heading toward Earth), unimaginably powerful cosmic explosions, and clues about the shadowy dark energy and dark matter that shape the universe. — Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 July 2026 The result is a piece that shows just how fraught, shadowy, and dangerous that work can be. — Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 22 June 2026 Curtis plays Violet Olvido, a journalist who begins investigating a string of killings linked to a shadowy international outsourcing company that recruits remote workers across the Philippines. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
  1. vague
  2. shady
  3. faint
  4. shaded
  5. hazy
Adjective
  • In this case, the vague nature of terms like DEI and CRT can have an even steeper negative impact on classrooms by creating uncertainty among faculty.
    — Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • OnePlus denied rumors of a shutdown earlier this year, but its language was vague and never promised future phone releases.
    — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Finally, the jury would be instructed that OpenAI deleted billions of logs, which would play into news plaintiffs’ narrative that OpenAI has been moving in shady ways to obscure alleged substitution in the market since the case began.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 9 July 2026
  • Tiffany Haddish is reacting to the White House’s shady response to one of her Jimmy Kimmel Live punchlines.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Instead of true invisibility, the drone dissolves into a faint, ghostly blur that blends into whatever is behind it.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, both showers peak this year beneath an almost full Buck Moon on July 30-31, which will wash out many fainter meteors.
    — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
  • To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of shaded
Adjective
  • Okay, the Fourth of July is over, and now we’re settled into the lazy, hazy days of summer.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • The phenomenon can dampen chances of rain, cause hazier skies and contribute to even higher temperatures.
    — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Definition of hazy

Browse Nearby Words

shadows
shadowy
shady
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Cite this Entry

“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shadowy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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