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 Roll magazines and tuck them inside your boots to prevent the boot shaft from being creased or collapsing during storage. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026 The original basement kitchen was connected to the house by a dumbwaiter, and the current owner turned that shaft into a bar. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026 Industrial operators can deploy them to inspect narrow pipelines, ventilation shafts, sewers, and underground mines for structural flaws. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026 Apply it generously to the ends, then work it up toward the mid-shaft. — Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

One use involves directing a beam of protons or other heavier particles into the patient, targeting unwanted cancerous cells (proton/heavy ion therapy).

— Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
Researchers at Romania’s Horia Hulubei National Institute have now solved this speed challenge by producing images with an artificial muon beam for the first time.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of beam

Noun

The fog rises from Mount Tamalpais like a spirit, slowly billowing over spears of feathery redwoods and fluffs of fragrant bay laurels.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
Arrange the spears in a single layer on a sheet pan and toss with olive oil.

— Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of spear

Noun

This keeps the performance informal and keeps the narrative — a staggering odyssey of injustices, abuses, travel adventures, extraordinary coincidences, losses, reunions, reflections and self-analysis — from becoming sensationalized.

— Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
With no indication that the officers have learned from their mistreatment of her husband, Rebekah can’t shake the feeling that her family won’t be the only ones to fall victim to this kind of injustice.

— Kate Payne, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of injustice

Noun

Dedicated sets of muscles and cartilage power each individual ray, giving every single segment full 360-degree rotational freedom.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Picnic tables lined the water, filled with groups enjoying the early fall afternoon and last rays of September sun.

— ElleAnna Revell, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of ray

Noun

Billy Baker giving [Preach] a second chance at life to right his wrongs and become a teacher…that’s real life.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Joe Alt, who was called for a hold that resulted in a safety on an anything-that-can-go-wrong-will-go-wrong Sunday.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Definition of wrong

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

Still, despite Kristin’s injury and Rob’s ridiculousness, the tribe wants to vote Eric.

— Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Heatwaves drive heatstroke, dehydration, and other health conditions; rising air pollution from haze causes respiratory conditions; floods and natural disasters cause injury while disrupting the day-to-day operations of hospitals and clinics.

— Mitch New, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of injury

Browse Nearby Words

shady

shaft

shafts

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“Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaft. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shaft

noun

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