Synonyms for

Shadow

Verb / ˈʃæˌdəʊ / Another word for shadow — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface

Synonyms & similar words

vestige tail shade dark darkness phantom phantasma trace shadower overshadow fantasm shadeoff tincture phantasm apparition dwarf shade silhouette outline profile figment ghost specter phantom umbra penumbra darkness dimness gloom obscurity duskiness eclipse shroud veil cloak cover

Synonyms by register

Formal

shade obscurity gloom

Informal

dark spot dimness

Literary

umbra penumbra shade

Antonyms

light brightness illumination radiance shine daylight

Common collocations

  • cast a shadow
  • in the shadow
  • shadow puppet
  • shadow boxing
  • shadow government
  • shadow play
  • shadow of doubt

Word family

noun shadow
verb shadow
adjective shadowy

Usage note

The word 'shadow' can refer to a literal absence of light or a metaphorical sense of gloom or obscurity. It is often used in figurative language.

Example sentences

  1. The cat followed me, always staying in my shadow.
  2. I like to play with my shadow when I walk outside.
  3. The sun sets and the shadow grows longer.
  4. The shadow of the tree was a cool place to rest.
  5. I saw a shadow moving in the dark alley.

Quotes

  • Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. - Walt Whitman
  • Everything that we see is a shadow cast by that which we do not see. - Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. - Michelangelo

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