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

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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
DeHaven believes that the key lies in shifting away from reactionary financial relief and toward trade liberalization. Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025 Once their flowers are pollinated, plants stop blooming and shift their energy into producing seed. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
Noun
Indeed, many drinks makers have sought to embrace that shift with new ranges of low and no alcohol products. Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 7 June 2025 These slight shifts are only detectable thanks to the telescope’s Visible Broadband Imager (VBI), which operates in the G-band — a specific range of visible light that highlights areas with strong magnetic activity. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • From roaring rockers to thoughtful ballads, Coldplay's range keeps the show moving The show started in daylight after a hot, sunshiny day in Northern California.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 2 June 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The early symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, stiff muscles, speech challenges, trouble swallowing, and drooling.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Camouflaged among desert rocks, the deadly illusionist extends its spider-like tail into the open and twitches it to summon hungry insect-eating birds.
    Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Founded in 2014, Kering Eyewear was a pioneer in changing the business model for luxury groups in the eyewear category, straying from the well-trodden licensing business model.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
  • But discussion of changing the names had predated Biden’s presidency.
    Brian Bennett, Time, 10 June 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
  • Going on plenty of walks and sticking to the dog's normal routine can all assist in helping your dog cope with a loss.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • Young men might be more likely to suppress emotional expression, engage in risk-taking behavior, or use substances to cope with grief.
    Charell G. Coleman, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The New York Racing Association temporarily relocated it there while Belmont Park on Long Island undergoes nearly half-a-billion dollars in renovations.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 June 2025
  • The police department will relocate to a facility in a 950-space parking garage being built on the east side of campus.
    Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • However, Venus square Pluto on June 9 could stir deep, hidden emotions or create power struggles that could potentially challenge your one-on-one connections.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • By stirring nationalist fervor and outsourcing conflict to criminal networks, Maduro avoids direct military confrontation — while escalating pressure on Guyana.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The ingredients vary, but all formulas must have a balance of calories from protein, carbohydrates and fat that mirrors what’s found in human milk.
    Jonel Aleccia, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2025
  • However, dosages may actually vary from 1 to 10 mg per day.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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