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.
The battle between Ursa and the alien invader, who has access to more sophisticated weaponry and whose physical mass overshadows her, tests not only physical prowess but her astuteness as well, with a Nordic landscape as backdrop. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 6 June 2025 That the numbers are falling again suggests voters remain unconvinced by the administration's course correction—and that concerns over rising prices, trade instability, and mixed signals from the White House continue to overshadow any efforts to reset the economic narrative. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Despite national attention, the DA has essentially remained unaccounted for, allowing drama and discord to overshadow the tragic loss of human life at issue. Craig MacLellan, Boston Herald, 3 June 2025 Forcing the sale of Chrome would be a major penalty and a coup for the DOJ lawyers, but this issue has been overshadowed somewhat as the case drags on. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 30 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Overshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overshadow. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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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