overshadow

verb

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

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.
But the school’s deficit overshadowed the proposal, Alvarez said. Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 Poulin’s exit overshadows Canada win After Poulin exited, her team responded with a rush of goals. John Wawrow, Twin Cities, 10 Feb. 2026 Wu in fact would likely overshadow Harris and is a much more skilled campaigner than the former vice president. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 Early fundraising disclosures highlight stark contrasts in Maryland’s competitive Democratic congressional primaries, with David Trone’s personal wealth overshadowing April McClain Delaney’s campaign while Kweisi Mfume maintains a strong cash advantage over challengers. Ben Mause, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Overshadow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/overshadow. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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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