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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.

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 professional rivalries are real, as J.D. finds when his hiring as Sacred Heart’s new chief of medicine gains him a nemesis in Joel Kim Booster’s wonderfully shady Dr. Eric Park.

From Salon • Feb. 26, 2026

However, Epstein appeared reluctant to engage with the multi-millionaire Conservative Party donor, after he was warned that the UK press were calling Rowland a "shady financier".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

More of a shady old lady than Swiss nobility.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

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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