overshadow

verb

over·​shad·​ow ˌō-vər-ˈsha-(ˌ)dō How to pronounce overshadow (audio)
overshadowed; overshadowing; overshadows

transitive verb

1
: to cast a shadow over
2
: to exceed in importance : outweigh

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
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 board meetings, discussions about server capacity are increasingly overshadowed by discussions on grid capacity and energy futures. Azeem Azhar, WIRED, 16 Dec. 2024 While Gastineau congratulated Strahan on the field after his record-breaking sack, Gastineau went on to share his opinion on what happened during that moment, which seemingly overshadowed Strahan's career highlight. Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 14 Dec. 2024 Many perceive Africa primarily through the lens of poverty, which, while significant, overshadows the continent's immense potential. Jeff Bordes, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Those moderating voices may be absent or at least outnumbered in a second term, overshadowed by more hawkish officials such as incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, a Florida congressman who introduced legislation in 2023 seeking to authorize U.S. military force against Mexican cartels. Brian Winter, Foreign Affairs, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for overshadow 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of overshadow was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near overshadow

Cite this Entry

“Overshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overshadow. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

overshadow

verb
over·​shad·​ow -ˈshad-ō How to pronounce overshadow (audio)
1
: to cast a shadow over : darken
2
: to become more important than : outweigh
the win overshadowed the player's injury

More from Merriam-Webster on overshadow

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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