shading

noun

shad·​ing ˈshā-diŋ How to pronounce shading (audio)
Synonyms of shadingnext
1
: the use of marking made within outlines to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or degrees of light and dark in a picture or drawing
2
: an interpretative effect in music gained especially by subtle changes in dynamics

Examples of shading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Many of these images were highly persuasive, complete with fully legible text, shading, and other visual props that increased their photorealism. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 In an era when the genre was dominated by bro-country clichés — add equal parts beer, truck and dirt road, stir and serve — Clark, McAnally and Osborne brought varied subject matter, richer emotional shadings and more cosmopolitan leanings. New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 Why not go cold turkey on occasion and report economic statistics with no shading? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 The neon green shading indicates flood warnings. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shading

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shading was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Shading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shading. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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