SHAFT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

shaft

noun

ˈshaft

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

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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

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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

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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 shaft Fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil may help moisturize the scalp and hair shaft, promoting healthier hair growth. —

Carley Millhone, Health, 4 May 2026 Kim explains that it’s packed with proteins and conditioning agents that help reinforce the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle. —

Iman Balagam, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026 Jared Spurgeon took a shot that Boldy, unmarked in front of the net, tipped with his stick shaft to guide the puck past goalie Jake Oettinger after the Wild lost Game 3 in double overtime. —

CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 The playoffs, so far, have been a quick trip down an elevator shaft, and fans are left reeling by the sudden collapse of the team. —

Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

It was designed in such a way that it would be comprised of six lattice-like beams, which were prestressed end-to-end.

— Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 16 May 2026
Western automakers have spent years trickling pixel-headlight features out cautiously, partly because regulations in markets like the US have historically been slow to allow adaptive driving beams in the first place.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 May 2026