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
Lines by his eyes, a crease off his smile, shadowy grey hair, trimmed neat — but a well-aged man at 60, skin kissed by the Florida sun.
—
Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
But between them and IPO riches lies an opaque network of shadowy middlemen, each eager to take their cut, some selling nothing but air.
—Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Not to be outdone, its Moorea shorts subtly incorporate both the brand’s trademark turtle and a shadowy check pattern through jacquard weaving.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
However, as her name suggests, Elektra has her own shadowy agenda.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Dan Robson, New York Times, 29 May 2026
But between them and IPO riches lies an opaque network of shadowy middlemen, each eager to take their cut, some selling nothing but air.
—Phoebe Liu, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
Not to be outdone, its Moorea shorts subtly incorporate both the brand’s trademark turtle and a shadowy check pattern through jacquard weaving.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 May 2026
However, as her name suggests, Elektra has her own shadowy agenda.
—John Russell, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
Adjective
-
If the team rewards instant replies, unclear meetings, vague ownership, and constant pings, the system will pull everyone back into tempo.—
Gerald J. Leonard,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
-
Authorities say Boelter, an out-of-work evangelical with conservative views and vague grievances over COVID-19 vaccines, left survivors with life-altering injuries and triggered Minnesota’s largest manhunt before his capture.—
Tim Sullivan,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
An ex-con cybersecurity expert, Daniel is among a group of whistleblowers from the shady agency WARDEX who nabbed evidence of a massive, nearly 80-year cover-up that, if revealed, would be a turning point for civilization.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
-
Fleas thrive in damp, shady areas, so think about removing piles of leaves or debris from your yard or garden.—
Emily Hayes,
Martha Stewart,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
If the aurora is faint, a smartphone camera can often reveal colors and structures that are difficult to see with the naked eye, during weaker displays.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
8 June 2026
-
All there is to Lyra is Vega and a small parallelogram of fainter stars to the lower right.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
7 June 2026
Adjective
-
To minimize risks during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises incorporating frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
If anyone shows signs of heat illness, promptly move them to a cool, shaded area.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Prometheus offers an answer — a hazy one, given the few specifics on offer — of something that’s been hard to see two years into this hype cycle.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
11 June 2026
-
Meanwhile, Maze of Dreams by Fine Scents captures the feel of a hazy memory or atmosphere.—
Laia Farran Graves,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shadowy. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
