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Synonyms

overshadow

American  
[oh-ver-shad-oh] / ˌoʊ vərˈʃæd oʊ /

verb (used with object)

  1. to be more important or significant by comparison.

    For years he overshadowed his brother.

    Synonyms:
    dwarf, outshine, eclipse
  2. to cast a shadow over; cover with shadows, clouds, darkness, etc.; darken or obscure.

    clouds overshadowing the moon.

  3. to make sad or hang heavily over; cast a pall on.

    a disappointment that overshadowed their last years.

  4. Archaic. to shelter or protect.


overshadow British  
/ ˌəʊvəˈʃædəʊ /

verb

  1. to render insignificant or less important in comparison

  2. to cast a shadow or gloom over

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • overshadower noun
  • overshadowingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of overshadow

before 900; Middle English overshadewen, Old English ofersceadwian. See over-, shadow

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 soft revenue guidance overshadowed a fourth-quarter earnings and revenue beat.

From Barron's

But the fight has overshadowed a more urgent question: Are regulators prepared to address the national-security threats these markets already pose?

From The Wall Street Journal

Its opening months were overshadowed by splits in the party, including over money, leadership and its name.

From BBC

She said: "Women aren't less than, and their achievements shouldn't be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are."

From BBC

The new deal overshadowed a weak outlook, which partly reflected the pressure Nutanix faces from higher memory costs.

From MarketWatch