shady

1 of 2

adjective

ˈshā-dē How to pronounce shady (audio)
shadier; shadiest
Synonyms of shadynext
1
: producing or affording shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
3
a
: of questionable merit : uncertain, unreliable
b
: disreputable
shadily
ˈshā-də-lē How to pronounce shady (audio)
adverb
shadiness
ˈshā-dē-nəs How to pronounce shady (audio)
noun

shadiness

2 of 2

noun

shad·​i·​ness -dēnə̇s How to pronounce shadiness (audio)
-din-
plural -es
: the quality or state of being shady
shadiness of a deal
shadiness of a woodland grove

Synonyms of shady

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Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of shady in a Sentence

Adjective Their backyard is nice and shady. I don't trust him. He seems like a pretty shady character.
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.
Adjective
The series contemplates topics like shady lending practices by financial institutions — something that will resonate deeply with today’s economy — and the ethics of placing oneself in a news story. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, Melanie’s sister, Steph, begged Melanie to leave Sincere because of his compulsive lying and shady behavior. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 1 Sep. 2026 Backpack-wearing college students dart across crosswalks, coffee in hand, while neighbors stroll shady sidewalks leading pups on leashes. — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 But for now, CyberLeek is trying to monetize the GTA 6 leaks by asking for shady donations. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

Rhymes for shady

See All Rhymes for shady

Browse Nearby Words

Shadwell
shady
shaffle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shady.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shady. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

shady

adjective
ˈshād-ē How to pronounce shady (audio)
shadier; shadiest
1
: casting a shadow : giving shade
2
: sheltered from the sun's rays
a shady grove
3
: not right or honest
a shady business deal
shadily
ˈshād-ᵊl-ē How to pronounce shady (audio)
adverb
shadiness
ˈshād-ē-nəs How to pronounce shady (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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