shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈsha-dō-ē 

-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

a

: shady sense 1

b

: shady sense 3

shadowily

ˈsha-də-wə-lē 

adverb

shadowiness

ˈsha-də-wē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• blear
• bleary
• blurry
• dim
• faint
• foggy
• fuzzy
• gauzy
• hazy
• indefinite
• indistinct
• indistinguishable
• misty
• murky
• nebulous
• obscure
• opaque
• pale
• unclear
• undefined
• undetermined
• vague

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

This shadowy faction has been roaming the galaxy and mass-converting citizens, but their intent is unknown — something for players to discover over the coming weeks and months. —Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024

His client is the existing Powers That Be, embodied by Charles Dance’s shadowy financier. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

And inside one man’s involvement in the shadowy U.S. body trade. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 11 Dec. 2024

Created by Joe Barton, the thriller series, set at Christmastime, follows Helen (Knightley), who works for the Black Doves — a shadowy corporate organization of international spies led by Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire), who gather information and sell it to the highest bidder. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Kids Definition

shadowy

adjective

shad·​owy ˈshad-ə-wē 

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