1
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
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
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
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
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
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
Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Marriotts Ridge shifted its defense in the later stages of the second quarter to shut down Mt. Hebron's offense and rally for the win.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Jones has helped the Panthers control about 60 percent of shots during his five-on-five shifts in three consecutive games.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
In the business world, in particular, many companies shifted operations from fully on-site work models to remote and hybrid work models.
—Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Marriotts Ridge shifted its defense in the later stages of the second quarter to shut down Mt. Hebron's offense and rally for the win.
—Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
Amid the contractions and shifts in RSNs, some NBA franchises have ditched cable entirely to distribute games via over-the-air broadcasts and a companion streaming service.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Jones has helped the Panthers control about 60 percent of shots during his five-on-five shifts in three consecutive games.
—James Mirtle, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
-
The joys of not making an announcement is that Apple has the wiggle room to move things up to and including the release date, so things could change.—
David Phelan,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
The baby kept moving her fingers right around the dog's eyes, but Daisy Doo didn't care.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
In the footage, the faceless android is seen suspended from the ceiling, its limbs twitching and moving in an unsettlingly human-like manner.—
Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report,
Fox News,
11 Mar. 2025
-
For example, dogs who love running might be twitching their paws while dreaming.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Pay attention to the market of your target industry and see how specific companies change in the future.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
-
After more than a decade Jérôme Lambert has returned to the helm of Jaeger-LeCoultre, and in some ways nothing much has changed.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Bulldogs stormed back and cut the lead to one with 29 seconds left after both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes.—
Ryan Morik,
Fox News,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The eldest Duggar daughter, got engaged June 15 and exchanged vows during a traditional ceremony in front of 500 guests in Prairie Grove, Ark.—
Rachel Flynn,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2025
-
What is grief if not living in the liminal space between mourning and coping, of life and death itself?—
Samantha Bergeson,
IndieWire,
27 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Two years earlier, her employer had sold his house in Brentwood, California, and relocated to Wellington.—
Emily Witt,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
-
After obtaining the snake, Narellan Snake Catchers relocated and released the animal in a less populated location.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The advocates, including two lawyers and religious leaders, argued the arrangement would stir fear in immigrant communities.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Mar. 2025
-
Prep Meatballs In a large bowl stir together pork, panko, 1 Tbsp.—
Katlyn Moncada,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The manner of refund (onboard credit or back to a credit card) varies by line and the method of booking.—
David Nikel,
Forbes,
23 Mar. 2025
-
Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacramento Bee,
23 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share