1
as in vague
not seen or understood clearly
the shadowy area between tough interrogation and torture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 attack on the ambulances was claimed by a shadowy group that analysts tell CBS News likely has link to pro-Iranian regime elements.
—
CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The streets felt like a shadowy set.
—Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
As an author, Keefe has specialized in untangling shadowy networks, whether that’s the Provisional IRA or the Sackler family, whose role in the opioid crisis via their ownership of Purdue Pharma was the subject of his book Empire of Pain.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
Yet Tillman, like many other conservatives, attributes decades of frustration to shadowy forces.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
The streets felt like a shadowy set.
—Literary Hub, 13 Apr. 2026
As an author, Keefe has specialized in untangling shadowy networks, whether that’s the Provisional IRA or the Sackler family, whose role in the opioid crisis via their ownership of Purdue Pharma was the subject of his book Empire of Pain.
—Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 11 Apr. 2026
Yet Tillman, like many other conservatives, attributes decades of frustration to shadowy forces.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
Adjective
-
The exact reasons are often left vague, and the successors to be determined, but people are leaving.—
Benjamin Wallace-Wells,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The exact reason remains vague, but some widespread cultural practice occurred across Central Europe.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
For the first time, Rue is placed in the caretaker role, personally dropping Angel off at a shady rehab facility.—
Zoe Papelis,
Vulture,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Put it out in a shady space to delay spoilage and replace any remaining suet after two weeks.—
Lauren David,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Unlike total solar eclipses, which reveal the sun's faint outer atmosphere, annular eclipses are still a form of partial eclipse and require proper eye protection to view safely.—
Ryan French,
Space.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
One of these experiment models, ABRACADABRA, employs high-sensitivity radio to capture the faint hum of axion’s oscillating magnetic fields thanks to the close cooperation of UC Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Premium $30 tickets are available, which include access to a lounge with air conditioning, shaded retreat from outdoor heat and food and drink options.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Indoor exhibits and shaded areas provide welcome breaks throughout the day.—
Taylor Haught,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Smoke from the fires has drifted far beyond South Georgia, with residents in Atlanta and across the metro area reporting a strong smell of burning and hazy skies.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
North and central Georgia are also expected to see hazy skies as smoke from fires in northern Florida and southern Georgia is carried northward, according to the National Weather Service in Atlanta.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shadowy. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
