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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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

One could reasonably argue that it is better to be spied on by an ISP than by a potentially shady VPN company.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

With borrowed money and shady partners, Duer bought and sold huge quantities of stocks and bonds.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

However, a few months earlier a contact of Epstein had raised concerns about Rowland's reputation, mentioning that he was referred to in the press as a "shady financier".

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

The noise is so loud in the shady stillness of the plants and gentle huddled form of Mr. Ram that I’m ticked as I pick up.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.