SHAFT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

shaft

noun

ˈshaft

as in beam

a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object shafts of late-afternoon sunlight pierced the blinds and streaked the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in spear

a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade the footmen set their shafts so as to form a bank of steel against the enemy's charging cavalry

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in injustice

unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this the homeowners who were bought out are convinced they got the shaft in that deal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example 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 shaft One guy was multiple stories up the side of a ventilation shaft. —

Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026 Engineers at Titan-2 oversaw the installation of the core catcher into a concrete shaft of the reactor containment building for Unit 7. —

Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 12 June 2026 Check the base of the beater shaft, rims around the motor housing, ventilation openings, and control knobs and switches. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026 Each model is white with a black shaft and a black alignment aid. —

Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

In the fifth, Caglianone put a charge into a Michael McGreevey four-seam fastball on the outside corner, sending a laser-beam shot into the Cardinals’ bullpen in left field.

— Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026
Bullock showcased her prowess on bars and beam, but the early vault error proved costly.

— Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026