SHIFT Synonyms: 232 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'shift' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shift are expedient , makeshift , resort , resource , and stopgap . While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient. // desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

Q: When could 'expedient' be used to replace 'shift'?

The words expedient and shift can be used in similar contexts, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible. // a flimsy expedient

Q: When is it sensible to use 'makeshift' instead of 'shift'?

The synonyms makeshift and shift are sometimes interchangeable, but makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference. // old equipment employed as a makeshift

Q: How are the words 'resource' and 'resort' related as synonyms of 'shift'?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon. // exhausted all of their resources // a last resort

Q: When might 'stopgap' be a better fit than 'shift'?

While the synonyms stopgap and shift are close in meaning, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure. // a new law intended only as a stopgap

shift 1 of 2

verb

ˈshift

Definition of shift next

as in to move

to change the place or position of he shifted the vase closer to the wall so that it wouldn't get knocked over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to twitch

to change one's position she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to change

to pass from one form, state, or level to another she watched the aurora in fascination as its colors shifted from green to blue

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to exchange

to give up (something) and take something else in return my brother and I shifted seats just before takeoff so that he could sit by the window

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs left the others to shift for themselves

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shift

2 of 2

noun

as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in shifting

the act or an instance of changing position made a small shift to the left to make more room on the bench

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word shift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shift are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could expedient be used to replace shift?

The words expedient and shift can be used in similar contexts, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

When is it sensible to use makeshift instead of shift?

The synonyms makeshift and shift are sometimes interchangeable, but makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of shift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources

a last resort

When might stopgap be a better fit than shift?

While the synonyms stopgap and shift are close in meaning, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of shift

Verb

But Berry said the landscape will shift as Trump's second term progresses. —

Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2024 Key Lime officials say the public’s perspective of the Gonzaga incident will shift as the investigation plays out. —

Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Noun

The entire year of 2025 will be full of powerful transits, and these notable shifts start in January. —

Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025 The 15-episode series will take place in real-time, following the facility’s employees and patients over a single 15-hour shift. —

Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift

Verb

The couple had just moved from their modest fixer-upper in Altadena’s Janes Village to their dream home in architect Gregory Ain’s Park Planned homes, when the Eaton fire roared to life.

Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
This has caused a number of awards nomination events to be delayed including the Oscars, which has moved from Friday, January 17 to Sunday, January 19.

Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025