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

Disney : Concerns about attendance at its theme parks overshadowed streaming profits and better-than-expected headline results . —Zev Fima, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2024

The focus on Trump often overshadowed tough questions directed at Harris, who has changed positions on issues such as fracking and the elimination of private health insurance. —Noah Bierman, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024

As the sun clashes with Saturn, limitations and restrictions overshadow a project’s possibilities. —USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2024

The pursuit of real-time processing, while valuable, should not overshadow the importance of replayability and the need for deep, reflective understanding. —Amandeep Midha, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

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