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 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 Utopia follows a group of nerds who discover a comic has been predicting historic events and accidentally unmask a shadowy conspiracy. — William Worrall, Space.com, 15 July 2026 The big mic drop at the conclusion of the finale turns out that Paula is a stone-cold (if possibly accidental) killer after all, and that the shadowy Souter Group is going to make her pay for her sins. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 July 2026 Dominguez told examining physicians that a shadowy figure pointed and made a laughing gesture before the attack. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 15 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
  • Perhaps in an attempt to recognize the regulatory environment, the letter is notably careful and slightly vague in its language.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 29 July 2026
  • Second, rather than vague commitments to pacing, double down on safety and security investments.
    — Christian Catalini, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • Wait until fall to sod shady areas to prevent decline due to excessive moisture.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
  • His name was carved on the same gravestone as Leslie’s, on a shady plot near the sea, but his ashes were scattered somewhere far from her bones.
    — Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • Because the new moon falls at virtually the same time, moonlight will not interfere, allowing even faint meteors to become visible from dark locations.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Red baseball stitches affix the quarter and foxing, and a slightly glossy gray Swoosh carries a faint diamond pattern.
    — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Definition of faint
Adjective
  • Place in a Warm Spot Place your pot in a warm, shaded spot and keep it damp until the green shoots emerge in one to three weeks.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The covered porch created a comfortable, shaded space where the homeowners can watch their kids play, interact with neighbors walking by, and host seasonal gatherings like trick-or-treating on Halloween.
    — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of shaded
Adjective
  • In the hazy distance, mainland Europe, their ultimate goal, lies across the sea.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Wildfires in Washington and British Columbia, Canada, are also expected to bring hazy skies and unhealthy air quality to the state over the next two days as smoke moves in from the north and temperatures climb toward 100 degrees.
    — Amanda Jackson, CNN Money, 3 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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