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
  • Debbie, named after Coates’ mother, feels betrayed by Judith and her husband, who is involved in shady dealings with an Albanian gang.
    — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • But the story about the war hero Odysseus, whose journey home with his men is beset by sea storms, shipwrecks, gods, monsters and shady ladies, set the template for literature, comic books, science fiction and Hollywood epics for centuries to come.
    — Jim Beckerman, USA Today, 16 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
  • The shaded areas of the map show the approximate boundaries where air quality is available and listed as anything other than good.
    — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 17 July 2026
  • To ensure safety during outdoor work, adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s recommendations by incorporating regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of shaded
Adjective
  • Then we’re yanked into Louis’s hazy POV, from which Armand is reading another one of his apology letters.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 20 July 2026
  • Under a red condition, the sky can look hazy and smoky, visibility drops and the air may smell like smoke.
    — Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 19 July 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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shadowy for Spanish Speakers

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