shafts

Definition of shaftsnext
plural of shaft
1
as in beams
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
2
as in spears
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

3
as in injustices
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 shafts The mine shafts oblige them generously, particularly after a bender or a jilting. Literary Hub, 5 Mar. 2026 That list includes several top-20 players and notables playing the brand’s popular iron shafts, such as Lydia Ko (KBS VX Lite 90) and Hye-Jin Choi (PGI 90). Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026 Its core structure includes a long spiral access tunnel, three vertical shafts, and two horizontal levels, reaching a depth of about 1,840 feet. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025 The condition of caskets, artifacts and human remains varied, said Stantec archeologist Ryan Peterson, noting that the number human remains found does not equal the number of grave shafts. Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 14 Nov. 2025 Stairwells and elevator shafts acted like chimneys, and the absence of emergency lighting, signage and alternative exits prevented the safe evacuation of the hotel’s 238 guests, the indictment said. CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025 In the past, some radioactive fallout has leaked from test shafts. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shafts
Noun
  • Shinichi Atobe’s arresting house and techno beams with inimitable candor, built from bright, phlegmatic loops that run on an eccentric internal logic.
    Maxie Younger, Pitchfork, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The work involved the removal and replacement of floor beams and repairs to center lock components of the drawbridge.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • There are bundles of taut chives still topped with blossoms, sweet and tender spears of asparagus, and creamy new potatoes all waiting to be snapped up.
    Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Sexy little spears of Green Asparagus (there’s also white and purple varieties) spring’s top stalk option, high in folates and digestive enzymes, elevate every plate (just pinch your nose when nature calls later).
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Lamarck, who in later life would often express his feelings of grievance against the injustices his colleagues inflicted on him, also had a quick and keen sense of obligation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Carefully avoiding quick judgement and slowly uncovering a long history of violence, injustices and destruction, the young filmmaker exposes the deep sadness of a once upon a time joyful and prosperous environment.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Kerr said Moody was getting X-rays at the arena.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • After the game, Kerr told reporters Moody would have X-rays on his left knee.
    SportsDay Staff, Dallas Morning News, 24 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Humans have been throwing javelins for a few hundred thousand years, yet performance has largely plateaued.
    R. Alexander Bentley, The Conversation, 26 Feb. 2026
  • The Tofinu took refuge in the lagoons along the Bight of Benin, a core area of the slave trade, venturing forth in canoes with harpoons, javelins, and swords to fight off raiders from powerful nearby kingdoms.
    Laurent Dubois, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Wilson, who was born in Jamaica and lived in North Lauderdale, was a religious man who put effort into his relationships and was willing to right his wrongs, said those attending the service.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
  • The Society tasks her with righting wrongs.
    Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Warhorses charge, lances down, crashing through the tilts as lances break on shields and men topple from their steeds.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Three or four decades ago, the newspaperman was appealingly raffish—at once a bum who drank too much and a knight-errant who charged unafraid at social injustice, succored the weak, and crossed lances with the powerful and arrogant.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The officer was then transported by a medevac helicopter to a local hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, according to reports.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Minugh now believes her cat may have saved her from even more serious injuries.
    Joan Murray, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shafts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shafts. Accessed 30 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shafts

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster