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Definitions

shady

[shey-dee] / ˈʃeɪ di /
ADJECTIVE
dark, covered
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cloudy leafy shaded shadowy
WEAK
adumbral bosky chiaroscuro cool dim dusky indistinct out of the sun screened shadowed sheltered umbrageous umbrous under a cloud vague
Antonyms
STRONGEST
clear
WEAK
aboveboard bright honorable light open reputable respectable
ADJECTIVE
disreputable, suspicious
Synonyms
STRONGEST
crooked dishonest dubious questionable slippery underhanded unscrupulous
WEAK
disgraceful dishonorable fishy ignominious infamous inglorious notorious scandalous shabby shameful shifty shoddy suspect unethical unrespectable untrustworthy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
certain definite ethical fair good honest moral open principled reliable scrupulous sure trustworthy
WEAK
aboveboard bright honorable light reputable respectable

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.

After a pre-premiere bidding war results in a $75-million sale, “Medellin” debuts to a round of boos, leading shady businessman Yair Marx to renege on the deal.

From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026

A questionable outlet, the company obtained the results through a methodology so shady it verged on outright dishonesty: They used a definition of “tradwife” that bears no resemblance to the term’s actual meaning.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

This includes claims from shady tax preparers guaranteeing eligibility for the new tax breaks for tips and overtime pay.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

There’s malware lurking in shady smartphone apps and cheap off-brand household electronics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The road curved again and became a street between shady lawns with white houses.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner

Vocabulary lists containing shady

"To an Athlete Dying Young" by A. E. Housman

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Way Off: Synonyms for "Wrong"

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Lights Out: Synonyms for "Dark"

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