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

Too often, the stories of pioneering Black women like Dr. Ferebee are marginalized or forgotten, overshadowed by those whose accomplishments are more visible in mainstream narratives. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025

This disparity created an uneven playing field, in which issues in Calumet City were overshadowed, preventing our residents from fully understanding the stakes and choices before them. —Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025

Compelling as that is, the mystery of Roman's whereabouts is nearly overshadowed by the arrival of a serial killer that's equal parts Jigsaw and the Riddler. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 16 Mar. 2025

But immigration, Trump’s signature issue during his campaign, was overshadowed at times during his speech on Friday by his bombastic diatribes condemning his political enemies. —Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for overshadow

• caddo
• foreshadow

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