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
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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
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5
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shift
J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Rooms rise and fall with the landscape, and ceiling heights shift with each domed structure.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The shift moved Washington’s birthday forward by 11 days and into a new year.
—Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
The global center of gravity is shifting away from the US and toward China.
—J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Rooms rise and fall with the landscape, and ceiling heights shift with each domed structure.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2026
Noun
Success means both measurable outcomes and meaningful shifts in how county government operates.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
The shift moved Washington’s birthday forward by 11 days and into a new year.
—Tiago Ventura, Time, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
-
As a politicized national fight over waste, fraud and abuse led by Republicans have targeted California and its Democratic leadership, Bonta and other state officials have moved swiftly to combat the claims.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Moreover, the bottle had only ever moved between Burgundy and Bordeaux, a driving distance of roughly 300 miles.—
Pin Yen Tan 9 min ago,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Baby Briana’s arms twitched and legs flopped against cold concrete.—
Jayme Fraser,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Through the scope, a polar bear twitched on the ice, 25 yards in front of me.—
Scott Haugen,
Outdoor Life,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The team analyzed 44 elements and found no single universal reaction to space; instead, microbial metabolism changed in distinct, element-specific ways.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
-
At the same time, the context around these measures has changed.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
However, that does not stop Glenn from proudly waving and exchanging Olympic pins adorned with the trans pride flag.—
Jasmine Wynn,
Time,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Hannah went to Zoe’s studio over the summer and the pair exchanged ideas.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
So too does Helen, who handles her own feelings about Callie through her own coping mechanisms, some of which work, most of which don’t, and many of which center on building her own friendship with Minnie.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Patients with substance use disorders have often relied on substances as their escape lever from these deeper problems, rather than developing healthier coping mechanisms.—
Emma Fenske,
The Conversation,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Catherine takes the concept in a different direction, intent on hurting Heathcliff through more emotional means.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
-
But because many people struggle to get enough vitamin D through natural means, a supplement may be appropriate for those concerned about bone health, Drake said.—
Jamie Ducharme,
Health,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The therapists at the spa were well-trained; always ready to address questions and concerns and accommodate shifting needs.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Whether the global minimum tax will meaningfully reduce profit shifting remains an open question.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The new store will create 17 additional jobs and will relocate 12 current employees to the new location.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Feb. 2026
-
According to a report by Swiss multinational investment bank UBS, 36% of its 87 billionaire clients surveyed had already relocated at least once in 2025, while another 9% were considering doing so.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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