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

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Relevance

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as in to twitch

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

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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

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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

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as in to cope

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

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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

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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

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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

Now the market has shifted toward cotton grown with regenerative practices. —

Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 27 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the Bills had shifted their offensive line protection toward the All-Pro Jones, which allowed the space for him and Reid to run free. —

Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025

Noun

These factors can change with shifts in administrative priorities. —

Aliasger K. Salem, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 2025 Read the full Pisces Daily Horoscope Aries (March 21 - April 19) Experiencing a profound shift? —

USA TODAY, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift

Verb

But this move now primes them to break the long drought and be much more formidable moving forward.

— David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
Royal Caribbean’s stock has already gained nearly 16% so far this year, after moving 78% higher in 2024 and rallying 162% in 2023.

— Michelle Fox, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2025