shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈsha-dō-ē How to pronounce shadowy (audio)
-də-wē
1
a
: of the nature of or resembling a shadow
b
: faintly perceptible : indistinct
2
: being in or obscured by shadow
deep shadowy interiors
3
shadowily adverb
shadowiness noun

Examples of shadowy in a Sentence

She was pursued by a shadowy figure. He had only a shadowy idea of what they wanted him to do.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In the case of Tether, this payout is in the billions and makes the most money per employee of any enterprise, except for shadowy enterprises such as drug dealing or other illicit activities. Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025 The mako prowls its shadowy underworld with an arrogant confidence, propelled by languid sweeps of his large tail. Pat Smith, Outdoor Life, 24 July 2025 Here are a some of the details contained in the document release: A shadowy figure behind 1122 King Road Prior to the attack, the roommates living at 1122 King Road experienced a string of strange occurrences – including a glimpse of a man who was seen staring at one of the victims. Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 Baker’s ordeal opens a window into the shadowy world of iPhone theft rings. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shadowy

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of shadowy was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Shadowy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shadowy. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

shadowy

adjective
shad·​owy ˈshad-ə-wē How to pronounce shadowy (audio)
1
a
: not realistic
shadowy dreams of glory
b
: dim as a shadow
the shadowy area between good and bad
2
: full of shade
a shadowy lane

More from Merriam-Webster on shadowy

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