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 When the Eras Tour started, in 2023, Swift had been at war with the shadowy entities that owned her recordings—first, the bosses of her former label Big Machine Records, then the mogul Scooter Braun, who bought Big Machine, in 2019. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 Sink debuts as Jean Grey, a shadowy antagonist for Tom Holland's Spider-Man in director Destin Daniel Cretton's new big-screen adventure. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Informing your supporters that their problems are the result of a shadowy cabal of billionaire conspirators tends to unleash passions that can be difficult to control. — Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 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 See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
  1. vague
  2. shady
  3. faint
  4. shaded
  5. hazy
Adjective
  • Schedule the appointment, set the reminder, protect the rest window, and let one steady step make the pressure feel less vague.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • However, the piece maintains that vague assurances are not enough and that Becerra should commit to a specific time and place, framing a face-to-face debate as an obligation rather than a tactical option.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of vague
Adjective
  • While this feature never got implemented, a Phia spokesperson told Bloomberg, Kianni was in support of the cookie stuffing practices, and encouraged team members to implement shady practices.
    — Sarah Glodek, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Santa Margarita River Trail Looking for a shady spring or summertime hike?
    — Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • With all those stars clumped together, even fainter globular clusters will typically be easier to spot than the smaller variety.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For astronomers, these satellites would become a nightmare for observations, crowding out and obscuring fainter objects or even challenging the Milky Way’s prominence with their glare.
    — Arielle Frommer, Scientific American, 20 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
  • The Wild West was even then a myth receding into a hazy, heroic past.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • No rain is in the forecast Monday to cool us off, and a plume of Saharan dust will keep things hazy and dry.
    — Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of hazy

Browse Nearby Words

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 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shadowy for Spanish Speakers

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