Synonyms

shadow cabinet

American

noun

(in the British Parliament) a group of prominent members of the opposition who are expected to hold positions in the cabinet when their party assumes power.

Etymology

Origin of shadow cabinet

First recorded in 1905–10

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.

See Examples For:

shadow cabinet

Dame Priti was appointed to Badenoch's shadow cabinet after finishing sixth in the leadership election.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

Reacting to Sir James's announcement, a source said Badenoch "really didn't want James to leave shadow cabinet", but believed "he will be a big asset in London".

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly has said he is resigning from the shadow cabinet to run for London mayor.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Before taking up her current role in 2023 she was an MP for 12 years, including a stint in Sir Keir's shadow cabinet.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

Just a year later he was promoted into the shadow cabinet during a reshuffle, in the short-lived position of shadow secretary of state for child poverty.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023