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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 Certain oils, especially coconut oil, can penetrate the hair shaft itself and reduce protein loss. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026 Check for live lice or new eggs, which would be sitting within 1-2 millimeters of the hair base, rather than empty nits that are whiter and farther along the hair shaft. — Emily J. C. Wong, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026 Personal choice and lifestyle aside, Belmo stresses the importance of looking beneath the surface at the hair shaft, scalp, and hair follicle. — Ata-Owaji Victor, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2026 Either way, both fit comfortably under her baggy sweats, because the legs are roomy enough to accommodate the bigger shaft. — Eva Thomas, InStyle, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

By changing its flight attitude, the platform could redirect the radar beam toward different sectors without depending entirely on a mechanically rotating antenna.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
In work that would delight any Star Wars fan, scientists have now created an antenna from a plasma beam.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of beam

Noun

The authors said that Shanidar A’s wound may be the earliest example of an ancient human relative killed with a wooden spear.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
Remnants of a wooden spear weren’t found near the Neanderthal’s remains, which is understandable since the material often decomposes so quickly.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of spear

Noun

That ordinary people, working together, could challenge powerful institutions, overcome injustice, and build something better.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Their goal was for the album to tell a story of radicalization, following a protagonist who shifts from complacency to an awareness of injustice and institutional oppression, and ultimately resolves to act against it.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of injustice

Noun

Dermatologists recommend using an SPF of at least 30, which ensures that the sunscreen filters out 97% of UVB rays—and not just when the sun is out.

— Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
These jets collide with cosmic gas, which generates afterglows seen across visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ray

Noun

In the end, director Duong, recognizing Aunt Hanh’s residual indignation, lances that boil.

— Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of lance

Browse Nearby Words

shady

shaft

shafts

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaft. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of shaft

noun

Example Sentences

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