1
as in to move
to change the place or position of
he shifted the vase closer to the wall so that it wouldn't get knocked over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to twitch
to change one's position
she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to change
to pass from one form, state, or level to another
she watched the aurora in fascination as its colors shifted from green to blue
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to exchange
to give up (something) and take something else in return
my brother and I shifted seats just before takeoff so that he could sit by the window
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
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2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
made a small shift to the left to make more room on the bench
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shift
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Innovations in investments focus on the present and a shifting global economy, highlighting the critical need for planning in an era of uncertainty.
—Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
William Jones, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Earlier this year, the NEA announced a shift in grant priorities to projects in support of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
This year's race will once again be shown on NBC, with coverage beginning on USA and Peacock before shifting to NBC and Peacock later in the day as the big race nears.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Innovations in investments focus on the present and a shifting global economy, highlighting the critical need for planning in an era of uncertainty.
—Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
Noun
As Kiew has observed, there has also been a shift in hiring priorities.
—William Jones, USA Today, 3 May 2025
Earlier this year, the NEA announced a shift in grant priorities to projects in support of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
-
Some of those are moving along very well, especially the – with the Asian countries.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Golden eagles will forage during migration flights and use this uplift from heated air, which also comes from open landscapes, to move efficiently during migration and seasonal movements.—
Noël Fletcher,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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If their tail starts twitching or their ears are flattened, then they may be overstimulated, which can lead to aggression.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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Real Estate As Ballast Against Market Turbulence Why does Manhattan real estate hold up while other assets twitch?—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The foundation claimed Mexico was unlikely to change its stance when Sheinbaum was elected despite the escalating threat from cartels.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
4 May 2025
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Jay O'Brien speaks with minors fighting black lung, and Republicans urging Trump to change course.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2025
Verb
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Gifts were exchanged, and the Pope wished the King and Queen a happy 20th wedding anniversary, which fell on the same day as their meeting.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Instead, tickets for Saturday’s game can be exchanged — online only — for a similar regular season game.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Chana Joffe-Walt’s series of episodes provides a unique perspective on the war, emphasizing the humanity and agency of those living through it – from families navigating relocation to children coping with trauma, ultimately illustrating the resilience of life amid despair.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
1 May 2025
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Another factor is how preschool has been shown to help children better cope with separation anxiety from mom or dad.—
Daryl Austin,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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California University of California orders hiring freeze, cuts in response to Trump threats March 19, 2025 Milliken, who will relocate from Austin to the Bay Area this summer, will receive a salary of $1.475 million, compared to Drake’s $1.308 million.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
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Twilight, the first installment in the franchise, stars Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan, a shy teen who relocates from Arizona to Washington to live with her father.—
Francesca Gariano,
People.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Continue adding stock as needed, stirring frequently, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is al dente and the vegetables are tender.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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All have varying levels of stability and solubility.—
Rosa Jisoo Pyo,
Vogue,
28 Apr. 2025
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Freckles are a single shade of brown, but ones that are cause for concern can vary with multiple shades of tan, brown, black, red, white or blue.—
Hannah Yasharoff,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 10 May. 2025.
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