shady

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

Synonyms of shady

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Examples of shady in a Sentence

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.
Both about power-mad blondes getting involved with the shadier side of the medical industrial complex, but Matt Hagen’s nanites worked, dammit! — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026 Many shady electronics companies are happy to sell you the wrong component for the wrong price. — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026 The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026 Amenities for workers include a rooftop daycare center, on-site medical practice and shady areas to socialize. — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shady

Word History

First Known Use

1579, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shady was in 1579

Rhymes for shady

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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 1 Nov. 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
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