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
  • But for now, CyberLeek is trying to monetize the GTA 6 leaks by asking for shady donations.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Others sat in shady spots on Montrose Avenue where the parade units combined with waiting community groups to end the parade at the festival grounds.
    — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 24 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
  • The main sala, an open pavilion or a shaded resting place, provides unobstructed coastline views.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The family-friendly experience will include H-E-B products and food sampling stations, a Spirit Salon offering face painting and airbrush tattoos, family games and a shaded lounge with a television.
    — Natassia Paloma, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shaded
Adjective
  • Its beers such as Easy Eddy, a hazy India pale ale, have won awards.
    — Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Some cleaners can also dull floors or leave a hazy residue on the surface.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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