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
That is a lightning rod for the conversation to shift the narrative in hair care, which is a mission of ours. James Manso, WWD, 20 Feb. 2025 Instead, Disney+’s Win or Lose wants to challenge its viewers to consider the way those categories and others can shift as the perspective does. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
This shift enables precise environmental performance assessment and aligns with global decarbonization objectives. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2025 And yet Steyer argues that the zeitgeist shift around sustainable investing makes this a great time to be a climate investor. Justin Worland, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • However, researchers who study ancient Earth were previously uncertain whether Neoproterozoic glaciers moved at all, let alone enough to erode the ground beneath them and transfer minerals into the sea.
    Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 26 Feb. 2025
  • Many view these teams as a potential pair if the Browns were to move Garrett after his trade request.
    Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In the video, the robot hangs suspended from the ceiling as its limbs twitch and kick, marking what the company claims is a step toward its goal of creating household-helper robots.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The elephant is now decidedly less friendly, and is doing far more than twitching and grunting.
    Stephen Maher, TIME, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Historically, the Chicago City Council controlled the budget until Mayor Richard J. Daley changed that, consolidating budget power within the executive office.
    Kam Buckner, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025
  • For half a century, British pop stars have been among the biggest sellers worldwide, but that all changed last year.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • During a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil in November 2023, Messi and Rodrygo exchanged insults.
    Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
  • During season five’s ballet party, Gina and Mosley exchanged a look that alluded to either an existing affair or a future one.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • How would a standard Defender cope with the same level of abuse?
    Charlie Roxburghe, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Experts have ways to cope. Aluminum in Vaccines: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for health secretary, has blamed the ingredient for allergies and other illnesses.
    Carl Zimmer, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The canal authority has promised to relocate people and is currently in discussions with local communities.
    Laura Paddison, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Jones arrived Wednesday morning at the homeless encampment to offer coffee and help those relocating.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The arrival in town of Eugene Allerton (Starkey), a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
  • That year, the real estate dealings of two ministers, involving government bungalows, also stirred controversy.
    Nicholas Yong, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The jeans widen at the hips, reaching their maximum width—varying by style—at the knee before tapering back in at the ankle.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Your trap preference will vary depending on your budget.
    Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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