Synonyms of shadowy

shadowy

adjective

ˈsha-dō-ē 

1

as in vague

not seen or understood clearly

the shadowy area between tough interrogation and torture

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vague
• faint
• hazy
• dark
• pale
• indistinct
• murky
• nebulous
• obscure
• fuzzy
• misty
• unclear
• undefined
• opaque
• foggy
• blurry
• dim
• undetermined
• indefinite
• indistinguishable
• blear
• bleary
• dusky
• gauzy
• mysterious
• invisible
• gloomy
• intangible
• inexplicable
• incomprehensible
• puzzling
• impalpable
• hieroglyphic
• inappreciable
• indiscernible
• indecipherable
• obfuscatory

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• clear
• definite
• distinct
• obvious
• certain
• bright
• evident
• plain
• pellucid
• strong
• sure
• firm

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

• shady
• shaded
• shadowed
• darkened
• dark
• sheltered
• umbrageous
• dim
• murky
• canopied
• dimmed
• covered
• somber
• dusky
• darkling
• gloomy
• darkish
• obscure
• obscured
• darksome
• cloudy
• moonless
• inky
• penumbral
• pitch-black
• pitch-dark
• sunless

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sunny
• light
• luminous
• brilliant
• dazzling
• bright
• exposed
• illuminated
• incandescent
• lucid
• shining
• lit
• lucent
• illumined
• effulgent
• shadeless
• radiant
• lambent
• luminary
• lustrous
• brightened
• bedazzling
• beaming

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shadowy

Luke Halls’ video and projections add another layer of visual unease, allowing screens and technology inside the home to become as suspicious as its shadowy corners. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026

What Washington could do China imports Iranian oil using a shadowy system that’s by design insulated from the US dollar system – and sanctions. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Yet under the guidance of the shadowy Newin Chidchob, Bhumjaithai has gradually become a force in Thai politics and a crucial ally of the monarchy and its sympathizers. — Duncan McCargo, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2026

Indeed, every shot of the characters running through Vienna’s slick, shadowy streets and tunnels is absolutely gorgeous. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026