SHAFT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

shaft

noun

ˈshaft

Definition of shaft

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

Relevance

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

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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 The Tour Edge, designed for players with regular swing speeds, comes your choice of three Fujikura Ventus golf shafts. — Langston Wertz Jr, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2026 The boots were otherwise stripped back, with smooth black uppers and a shaft that seemed to climb up to knee-length. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026 After a short ride across the base, the president’s motorcade pulled up the driveway of a brick building that had what looked like a cinderblock elevator shaft across from it. — Sonya Ross For The Atlanta Journal-Contitution, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026 Wright suggests flipping your head over and working the product from the mid-shaft to the ends, concentrating a small amount on the ends rather than applying it near the roots. — Casey Delbasso, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

Two people were injured when a semi-trailer truck hauling steel beams hit the underside of the Lake Avenue bridge over the Edens Expressway near Wilmette on Thursday evening.

— Todd Feurer, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
Cazalet said the figure could encompass the laser source, beam director, and cooling system.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of beam

Noun

Punk rock has always been tied to the idea that both artists and listeners are angry — frustrated with the system, furious at injustice.

— Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 17 Sep. 2026
South African leaders reject Washington’s accusations, arguing land expropriation and affirmative action measures seek to repair apartheid-era injustices and insisting the United States respect the country’s sovereignty and policy choices.

— Gerald Imray, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of injustice

Noun

Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Comfort, breathability, and packability are just a few of the boxes checked by this bamboo-viscose hoodie that blocks 95 percent of the sun’s UV rays (and comes in women’s sizes).

— Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of ray

Noun

Additionally, objects of cultural patrimony such as five pairs of moccasins, one coupstick, one Cheyenne cradle board and one lance were returned in the ceremony.

— News Desk, Artforum, 20 Aug. 2026
As for the Speed, the museum returned three ceremonial objects (a rattle, a beaded pipe bag, and a beaded turtle amulet) and 21 other items, among them beaded pouches and bags, moccasins, a coup stick, a cradleboard, and a lance.

— Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of lance

Noun

Lasko suffered the spinal cord injury in a collision with a teammate June 30 that left him paralyzed from the chest down, with both arms affected, too.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
But lower-body injuries the last couple of years — a left groin strain last season and a left hamstring strain earlier this season — forced him away from it.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of injury

Browse Nearby Words

shady

shaft

shafts

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Style

“Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaft. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of shaft

noun

Example Sentences

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