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 show shines a light on the world of black operations in the CIA and military, with a focus on the women who serve in those shadowy and secretive roles. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2026 Some people see swamps as sloughs of despond; dark, miasmic places filled with creepy, shadowy creatures. — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026 Set in the modern Scottish Highlands, Laird is an epic family saga in which a proud Scot defies a shadowy American billionaire hellbent on buying up the glens. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 July 2026 The idea is absurd but paired with Armand’s shadowy Budapest group and Fareed’s research, this revelation expands Interview with the Vampire’s world even more. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
  1. vague
  2. shady
  3. faint
  4. shaded
  5. hazy
Adjective
  • Entrepreneurs need this because being vague does not sell, attract referrals or earn trust.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The question is intentionally vague and confusing, and goes out of its way to evade the true purpose of the law.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • For shady slopes, this evergreen, herbaceous perennial with striking yellow blooms makes excellent groundcover under trees.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The massive trees had long been a home for rare species and a shady place for neighbors to gather.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Led by researchers at the University of Cambridge, the mission aims to detect the faint 21-centimeter radio line emitted by early hydrogen atoms operating at low frequencies (10–50 MHz), a signal never before directly observed.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026
  • During search operations, hundreds of onlookers and volunteers must be kept quiet enough in the middle of a bustling city to listen for the faintest sign of life.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Lichens are normally found on older shaded leaves that drop from the trees during spring.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Mowing with the mower at its highest setting keeps the turf canopy full and shaded.
    — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of shaded
Adjective
  • Crews battled a large fire at a scrap metal yard in North Philadelphia's Hunting Park neighborhood Sunday night, sending thick, hazy smoke into the sky and raising concerns among neighbors who say problems at the property have persisted for years.
    — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Across the hall, in a lavender family room, a vintage TV installation by Jennifer stands in a corner playing hazy family videos and iconic cultural moments such as James Brown’s famously bizarre 1988 CNN interview on a loop.
    — Jewel Wicker, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of hazy

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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 17 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shadowy for Spanish Speakers

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