overshadow
Americanverb (used with object)
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to be more important or significant by comparison.
For years he overshadowed his brother.
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to cast a shadow over; cover with shadows, clouds, darkness, etc.; darken or obscure.
clouds overshadowing the moon.
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to make sad or hang heavily over; cast a pall on.
a disappointment that overshadowed their last years.
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Archaic. to shelter or protect.
verb
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to render insignificant or less important in comparison
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to cast a shadow or gloom over
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of overshadow
before 900; Middle English overshadewen, Old English ofersceadwian. See over-, shadow
Explanation
To overshadow is to appear more important or larger than something else. Your sister's tendency to interrupt and speak loudly sometimes overshadows what a caring person she is. You can use this verb in a very literal way, to mean "cast a shadow over something smaller," like the enormous oak tree in your yard that overshadows your small house. It's also possible to figuratively overshadow, like when your worry about next week's math test overshadows the happiness you feel waking up to a snow day. One person can overshadow another too, when they appear more interesting, successful, or attractive.
Vocabulary lists containing overshadow
You Call This Democracy?
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Selection Vocabulary 1, Unit 2
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Death on the River of Doubt
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The top-line beat appeared to overshadow weak guidance for the current quarter.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
But unlike “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” spectacle isn’t allowed to overshadow the story.
From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026
Shares of Boeing got a lift Wednesday after the aerospace and defense giant’s first-quarter results showed continued strong growth in its defense and space business, enough to overshadow its larger commercial airplanes segment.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026
An artist wears out his welcome when apologies begin to feel performative rather than meaningful, and when harmful behavior continues to overshadow his work.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026
Nonetheless, from Ishmael’s perspective this inclement weather should not be allowed to overshadow the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, which was an affair of a different sort entirely and of a greater magnitude.
From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
