shift 1 of 2

1
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

shift

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word shift different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of shift are expedient, makeshift, resort, resource, and stopgap. While all these words mean "something one turns to in the absence of the usual means or source of supply," shift implies a tentative or temporary imperfect expedient.

desperate shifts to stave off foreclosure

When could expedient be used to replace shift?

The words expedient and shift can be used in similar contexts, but expedient may apply to any device or contrivance used when the usual one is not at hand or not possible.

a flimsy expedient

When is it sensible to use makeshift instead of shift?

The synonyms makeshift and shift are sometimes interchangeable, but makeshift implies an inferior expedient adopted because of urgent need or allowed through indifference.

old equipment employed as a makeshift

How are the words resource and resort related as synonyms of shift?

Both resource and resort apply to anything one falls back upon.

exhausted all of their resources
a last resort

When might stopgap be a better fit than shift?

While the synonyms stopgap and shift are close in meaning, stopgap applies to something used temporarily as an emergency measure.

a new law intended only as a stopgap

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 shift
Verb
The dangerous and record-shattering heat will shift east by the end of the weekend and the start of next week. Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 20 June 2025 Temperatures above 75 to 80°F can trigger bolting, at which point the plants shift their energy into flowering and stop producing new foliage. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 June 2025
Noun
The historic drop came in response to news that the German enterprise technology stalwart was pulling its five-year financial guidance, as pandemic pressures lingered and customers embarked on a margin-threatening shift away from on-premise software, which had been SAP’s lucrative forte. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 June 2025 The track marks a stylistic shift, showcasing Jaydon’s ability to push the tempo without losing his soulful edge. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
  • Some of its missiles have a range of more than 300 miles and can strike a moving ship.
    Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 14 June 2025
Verb
  • The early symptoms include muscle weakness, cramps, twitching, stiff muscles, speech challenges, trouble swallowing, and drooling.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
  • Camouflaged among desert rocks, the deadly illusionist extends its spider-like tail into the open and twitches it to summon hungry insect-eating birds.
    Ryley Graham, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The real question is whether their presence changes the fundamental nature of what these events represent.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 June 2025
  • For 100 years, HEC has demonstrated that leaders who understand this truth can change the world—one relationship, one gesture, one act of care at a time.
    Laurel Donnellan, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Oil prices soared on Friday as Israel and Iran exchanged attacks, making it all but certain that gasoline prices would rise for U.S. drivers within days, industry analysts told ABC News.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 June 2025
  • After a dance and a kiss and freighted promises are exchanged, Lucy receives a call from Sophie that Mark is now stalking her outside her apartment.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • These symptoms weren’t only tied to how close someone was to the event but were strongly influenced by personal factors like pre-existing mental health issues and the coping strategies used in the early aftermath.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • As couples become closer through a shared reality, researchers also observed a greater sense of meaning in life, where individuals have a strong feeling of purpose, which research indicates can lead to better coping, greater happiness, and improved health outcomes.
    Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • After spending his childhood in Minnesota, his family relocated to Orlando.
    Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025
  • The caravan then relocated to the stadium’s Downtown Gate near the 110 Freeway.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • More recently, the actress stirred buzz for gaining 30 pounds to play boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 18 June 2025
  • The beauty and brilliance of Baum’s story is undoubtedly in its timeless power to stir an emotional response in us as adults.
    Hazel Gaynor June 18, Literary Hub, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Zoo Miami What To Know Goliath, who hatched on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos sometime between 1885 and 1890 according to varying official records, has resided in the U.S. since 1929 and at Zoo Miami since 1981.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
  • While keyboard quality is fairly consistent across laptops, trackpads can vary wildly.
    Luke Larsen, Wired News, 15 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

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