shady
Under the trees
Shady describes a place sheltered from direct sunlight: a shady spot under the oak tree.
The figurative sense dominates modern usage—shady means suspicious, dishonest, or of questionable character: a shady deal, That guy seems shady.
The connection runs through darkness and concealment: what happens in the shade is hidden from view.
Incomplete or suspicious
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- dodgyQuestionable in character
- questionableOf uncertain validity
- suspiciousInclined to distrust
shifty · crooked · sleazy · disreputable · untrustworthy · seedy · corrupt · fraudulent
Overhead protective covering
- arborGarden trellis structure
- pergolaLatticework frame for climbers
- awningMounted overhead shelter
- parasolHandheld shade device
umbrella · bower · trellis · gazebo · veranda · overhang · leafy · dappled
Kept out of sight
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- concealedMade invisible deliberately
- screenedExamined for suitability
- tucked-awayPut aside discreetly
cloistered · sequestered · sheltered · obscured · veiled · withdrawn · quiet · undisturbed
sketchy
Incomplete or suspicious
- fishyArousing doubt, colloquially
- dodgyQuestionable in character
- questionableOf uncertain validity
suspicious · shifty · crooked · sleazy · disreputable · untrustworthy · seedy · corrupt · fraudulent · dishonest
canopy
Overhead protective covering
parasol · umbrella · bower · trellis · gazebo · veranda · overhang · leafy · dappled · cool
hidden
Kept out of sight
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- concealedMade invisible deliberately
- screenedExamined for suitability
tucked-away · cloistered · sequestered · sheltered · obscured · veiled · withdrawn · quiet · undisturbed · covert
dusky
Partially shadowed, darkish
crepuscular · tenebrous · darkened · obscure · subdued · faint · muted · overcast · sunless · umbral
- unfairnessunfair, unjust, biased, unequal, inequitable
- tree traitsbranching, rooted, tall, leafy, woody
- Questionabledubious, fishy, sketchy, iffy, dodgy
- slang adjectivescool, awesome, dope, lit, sick
- suspiciondistrust, suspicion, mistrust, suspiciousness, doubt
- outdoor conditionsdry, wet, humid, hot, cold
shadysunny
Bright with daylight
sunlit · bright · exposed · shadeless · sun-drenched
shadyhonest
Free from deception
trustworthy · aboveboard · reputable · honorable · respectable
- cast a shadowIntercept light, create silhouette
- eye shadowCosmetic for lids
- pale shadeFaint, light color
- five o'clock shadowDay-end facial hair
- shady dealingsDishonest or illegal transactions
- shadow of a doubtMinimal remaining uncertainty
shade, shadow, shaded, shadowy, shades, shading, overshadow, sunshade, shadowed