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 No other spacecraft has ever descended into the moon’s shadowy south polar craters, although NASA did crash a rocket into one in 2009 and watched a resultant plume of water vapor burst out. — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026 The hit series created by Taylor Sheridan focuses on the shadowy world of black operations in the CIA and the military. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 After playing a shadowy superspy on GH, Oliver’s role on the Peacock soap looks to be decidedly less glamorous — though potentially just as pivotal. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 10 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 See All Example Sentences for shadowy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shadowy
  1. vague
  2. shady
  3. faint
  4. shaded
  5. hazy
Adjective
  • The Fed chairman, who took charge of the central bank in May, is deliberately vague, saying investors and businesses should watch what's happening in the economy, not in the policymaking corridors of Washington.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Senate proposal also includes measures to try and lighten the loads on Californians’ utility bills, though again, details remain vague.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 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
  • This stage begins when the moon enters the faint edges of Earth's shadow, called the penumbra.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • That year, the Perseids will peak in the glare of a waxing moon just four days from turning full, and the moonlight will hide many of the shower's fainter shooting stars.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 24 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
  • Ivan’s room feels practically airless, his face obscured in shadows, or captured in hazy side profiles, as Anica’s bright, concerned gaze holds the frame’s focus.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The cutter has been great for the supinating Cavalli, but the benefit of a new pitch is hazier with some of the small sample guys.
    — Eno Sarris, New York Times, 20 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 30 Aug. 2026.

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