overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō 

overshadowed; overshadowing; overshadows

transitive verb

1

: to cast a shadow over

2

: to exceed in importance : outweigh

Synonyms

• becloud
• bedim
• befog
• blacken
• blear
• blur
• cloud
• darken
• dim
• dislimn
• fog
• fuzz (up)
• haze
• mist
• obscure
• overcast
• overcloud
• shadow
• shroud

Examples of overshadow in a Sentence

The pitcher's outstanding performance should not overshadow the achievements of the rest of the team.

large trees overshadow the yard and darken the house for much of the day

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the game was overshadowed by bigger releases like Dragon's Dogma 2 in other regions. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 27 Jan. 2025

Published on January 24, 2025 By Richard Carleton Hacker Mezcal has long been overshadowed by its sibling tequila, but this smoky spirit has gained a strong foothold with the drinking public as well. —Richard Carleton Hacker, Robb Report, 24 Jan. 2025

Son and other senior players, including James Maddison, have been overshadowed by teenage talents Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in recent weeks. —Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

Outside of the ongoing violence by armed gangs, the process is being overshadowed by last November’s reshuffling of government ministers, triggered by disagreements over power-sharing, and corruption allegations involving three members of the ruling council. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 23 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō 

1

: to cast a shadow over : darken

2

: to become more important than : outweigh

the win overshadowed the player's injury