Synonyms of shaft

shaft

noun

ˈshaft 

1

as in beam

a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object

shafts of late-afternoon sunlight pierced the blinds and streaked the floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• beam
• ray
• laser
• sunbeam
• spotlight
• moonbeam
• sunburst

2

as in spear

a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade

the footmen set their shafts so as to form a bank of steel against the enemy's charging cavalry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spear
• javelin
• lance
• pike
• dart
• pikestaff
• spike
• trident
• harpoon
• halberd
• leister
• gaff

3

as in injustice

unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this

the homeowners who were bought out are convinced they got the shaft in that deal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• injustice
• wrong
• injury
• inequity
• insult
• unfairness
• raw deal
• unjustness
• disservice
• slight
• offense
• beef
• slur
• indignity
• affront
• outrage
• grievance
• complaint
• put-down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• equity
• justice
• fairness
• equitableness
• cricket

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shaft

Loss of control can occur when the signal between the vehicle's transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module is lost, causing the vehicle to shift gears unexpectedly. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Kendra Scott released the Sarah Short Boot, a fresh take on an existing style that has a taller heel and shorter shaft for those looking for a more glam style that can be worn under jeans, with skirts and beyond. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 16 June 2026

Having seen the shift from hickory to metal shafts, Flynn was also ahead of his time in his ability to foresee a distance problem in golf, an issue the professional game plans to address with a ball rollback in 2028. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 June 2026

One guy was multiple stories up the side of a ventilation shaft. — Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026