shift 1 of 2

1
2
as in to twitch
to change one's position she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
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

4
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

5

shift

2 of 2

noun

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

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 shift
Verb
At the same time, Putin is successfully stalling the ceasefire talks proposed by Trump – while trying to appear cooperative and shift the blame on Kyiv. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 May 2025 As her backup dancers shifted position around her, Lopez locked lips with a male dancer, before a female dancer approached Lopez and kissed her as well. EW.com, 27 May 2025
Noun
There are two obstacles preventing Baltimore from making this sensible, pro-abundance shift. Daniel Brennan, Baltimore Sun, 27 May 2025 But, my sixtieth birthday celebration on the Plaza felt like a shift. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • The two new fire stations, plus the new fire department headquarters that is set to hold a relocated Fire Station 4, are being moved at the recommendation of a 2021 plan that looked to lower emergency response times.
    R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • Word moved around the ticket-holders, likely waiting for Novak Djokovic’s match to follow this one, that one of their own was doing something special.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • An input lag of 4.6 milliseconds in the TV's dedicated Game mode is speedy enough for twitch reflexes, and the panel refreshes at 120Hz and supports variable refresh rates.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • The sight of his twitching arm, middle finger raised, is a fun touch to an otherwise-underwhelming send-off.
    Gayle Sequeira, Vulture, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Part of Madrid’s unique nature is just how quickly things can change.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Since then, two of those mayors have changed their minds.
    Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The May 16 talks also led to a swap of prisoners, with 1,000 on both sides being exchanged.
    Mehmet Guzel, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • During their last meeting in May, both countries agreed to exchange their requirements for a ceasefire.
    Jade Walker, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Humor alleviates stress, and serves as a valuable coping mechanism, helping individuals to reframe challenges & foster resilience.
    Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
  • Simone goes nonverbal and enters a sort of fugue state to cope.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Recently relocating from London to Lisbon, the company has said Puro-Steele’s remit will be to oversee the agency’s strategic growth ambitions, particularly its goal of elevating Portuguese and Iberian Peninsula talent on the global stage.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 May 2025
  • Erik said she’s heard of several companies closing or relocating parts of their business.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Leia forms the Resistance Senator Leia Organa discovers a new danger stirring in the galaxy: the First Order.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Seeing familiar landmarks from the window of the plane — including her childhood homes — stirred memories of her father and the path that led her to becoming a WNBA coach.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • The House Ways and Means Committee estimates this could boost take-home pay for a median-income family with two children by $4,000 to $5,000 annually and increase real wages by $2,100 to $3,300 per worker, though economic conditions may vary these gains.
    Brian Menickella, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • Lee said there are a number of reasons low-income student populations in schools vary from year to year and are part of overall changes in the student body, like slight declines in district enrollment and increasing ethnic diversity.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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