SHADOWY Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

shadowy

adjective

ˈsha-dō-ē

Definition of shadowy

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

as in shady

protected from the sun's rays a shadowy lane that is a mosaic of colors during the autumn foliage season

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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 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 Remember, Venus has everything to do with love, beauty, pleasure, values and money, while Pluto governs obsession, control, transformation, intimacy and the shadowy corners of the psyche. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 Trailing behind it was the shadowy form of a wolf. — Dolores Brown, Outdoor Life, 17 June 2026 Even with its less tense game style, the premise of D-topia revolves around a shadowy society run by AI that is working to ensure happiness for the greatest number of people. — Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shadowy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy

Adjective

The section’s vague language and many loopholes could have a chilling effect on any research that studies the effects of a disease, policy or public health intervention on any specific group of people, Rafla-Yuan said.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Trip reports were vague but full of warnings about steep canyon walls and boat-eating holes.

— John Todd, Outdoor Life, 9 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

There was a pungent smell and a faint buzzing sound coming from the bedroom.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026
Though her father has moved to Savannah in the faint hope of reviving his relationship with her and his grandchildren, Anna has wisely kept her distance from him, given his criminal past and his as-yet-unarticulated failings as a parent.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 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

In fact, the iconic band of hazy light known as the galactic center should routinely be visible for a few more months across the United States – and the rest of the northern hemisphere – arcing across the night sky.

— Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Go for the bold, unique brews, like the Blizzard of ’67 (named after an infamous winter storm), a hazy triple IPA with orange, pineapple, and mango notes.

— Midwest Living, Midwest Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of hazy

Browse Nearby Words

shadows

shadowy

shady

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“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shadowy. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of shadowy

adjective

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