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Synonyms for

Shady

Adjective / ˈʃeɪdi: / Another word for shady — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Something that is shady is suspicious or dishonest.

Synonyms & similar words

flybynight suspect umbrageous shadowy suspicious louche fishy shadowed funny suspicious dubious questionable uncertain dodgy fishy sketchy unreliable untrustworthy deceptive dishonest fraudulent shifty underhanded unscrupulous crooked sneaky furtive secretive covert

Synonyms by register

Formal

dubious questionable suspicious untrustworthy

Informal

sketchy dodgy shifty fishy

Literary

umbrageous shadowy obscure

Antonyms

bright clear honest open light legitimate aboveboard

Common collocations

  • shady character
  • shady dealings
  • shady past
  • shady business
  • shady practices
  • shady corner
  • shady reputation

Word family

noun shade
adjective shady
adverb shadily

Usage note

Primarily used informally to describe something or someone untrustworthy or of questionable legality. Can also refer to literal shade from trees.

Compare "shady" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The dark alley looked a little shady.
  2. I dont trust that guy, he seems really shady.
  3. The business deal seemed a bit shady to me.
  4. The mans behavior was so shady that the police became involved.
  5. I try to avoid walking down shady streets at night.

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