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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.

Supporters argue that legalization decreases black-market activity, reducing consumers’ reliance on shady providers, creating a safer market while providing the government greater tax revenue and citizens greater freedom.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 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

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

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Some shady providers make money by logging and selling your browsing data, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of using a VPN.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

There, under some shady acacia trees, we set up the tents that would be home for the next three months.

From "My Life with the Chimpanzees" by Jane Goodall

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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