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
The numbers shifted as mail-in ballots were tallied. The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025 Through expert analysis and relentless advocacy, Razavi was able to shift the case in his client’s favor, demonstrating the true circumstances surrounding the accident. Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
The shift from print to digital has disrupted traditional media hierarchies, yet Black women still struggle to access opportunities. Joce Blake, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025 For most companies, making such a shift would require committing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars to building and expanding U.S. factories, economists say. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • The company intended to move the drug into late-stage testing, which is generally the last phase of development before a company submits the potential treatment to government regulators for approval.
    Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If their tail starts twitching or their ears are flattened, then they may be overstimulated, which can lead to aggression.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Real Estate As Ballast Against Market Turbulence Why does Manhattan real estate hold up while other assets twitch?
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The song really changed my career — changed my life.
    Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In a report released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve, analysts noted that economic activity was little changed since the central bank’s previous report but said that uncertainty around international trade policy was pervasive across its reports.
    Kevin Williams, Quartz, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By establishing a common language for inter-agent interaction, A2A allows agents to securely exchange information, coordinate actions and collaborate dynamically without sharing memory or tools.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her relationship with her husband Michael is more forward-facing, with the two often exchanging playful banter on the Him & Her podcast.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As an adult, this coping mechanism can quietly spill into your relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • However, after all was said and done, only Alex and Lino managed to cope through the ramifications of the experiment, continuing their relationship and are now engaged.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Boca Raton parks and recreation officials are looking to improve and update the city’s parks by analyzing the existing parks to determine what changes are needed the most and where to relocate some of the city’s current facilities.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The couple relocated to the Eastern Shore two years ago.
    Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Add the cheddar, ham and chives and stir with a fork to combine.
    Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Most teams have carried around 120 players, but that number varies, ranging from as little as 110 to as high as 140 in some instances.
    Sam Khan Jr., New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • While most modern employees feel a general sense of security going to work, their experience varies across industries and workplaces.
    Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!