SHAFT Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

shaft

noun

ˈshaft

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 The left thumb should point downward along the grip and shaft. —

Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 The mine shaft is still there and, thankfully, so is the down-home food. —

Chelsea Brasted, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026 However, people with coarse, curly, or textured hair may find that frequent shampooing dries out the hair shaft and leads to breakage, said Kopelman. —

Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2026 In this mode, the high-performance turbine core engine drives a shaft connected to the rotors. —

David Szondy march 09, New Atlas, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft

Noun

Any solution will need ultra-precise tracking systems and adaptive optics to correct beam distortion.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026
The three-story brick house had room to spread out, lovely old fireplace mantels, exposed wood beams, and an overgrown backyard.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 20 Mar. 2026