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
In the process, the land is torn apart by fierce rivals, shifting loyalties, and bloody betrayals. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 July 2025 Here’s what’s shifted for workers over the past two decades of rapid growth, and what city leaders make of the changes — and anticipate next. Idaho Statesman, 14 July 2025
Noun
The recent fight at San Diego City Hall over how many middle managers the city employs could signal the start of a shift away from such jobs in the future, after years of their ranks quickly growing. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025 Having navigated significant challenges, including the devastating hurricanes of 2017, a global pandemic and political shifts, the territory has emerged stronger than ever. Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • Residents of several communities were ordered to move inland to higher ground.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • If practice is canceled or moved indoors due to the weather, paid ticket days will be provided with a makeup date, not a refund.
    Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • Buzzing, tingling, burning, twitching, itching or pain, along with a sensation of arousal.
    Linda Carroll, NBC news, 6 July 2025
  • The fearful pup stepped out to greet her, his tail twitching—his first show of trust in a long time.
    Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • The organization has already changed laws in 21 states—red, blue, and purple—working across political divides to embed economic justice into survivor support systems.
    Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • And then, in 2005, a certain Impala rolled into his life and everything changed.
    EW.com, EW.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Twinkly lights and ribbons lined the airplane's interior when Meli and Power stood at the front of the cabin to exchange vows.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 18 July 2025
  • One ad features past praise exchanged between Trump and Epstein, implying deeper ties to the disgraced financier.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • With over 660 comments on the viral TikTok video, internet users can't cope with Nicole's way of cheering up her granddog.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • This includes positive coping strategies such as reframing negative thoughts, practicing grounding techniques and seeking professional mental health support.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Industry sources report that several Hungarian companies are already considering relocating operations to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the Baltics or elsewhere in Europe.
    Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Eight horses died in the blaze, while Cox and the homeowners saved 10 others that have relocated to other stables in the area.
    Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Just the idea of a super-fight between generations has already stirred the pot.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Roast, stirring twice, until corn is browned, about 20 minutes.
    Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • However, protocols for responding to wildlife conflicts that are not life-threatening can vary from one community to another.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
  • On the other hand, the penalty for harboring or aiding a felon can vary, depending on the severity of the underlying felony committed by the person being aided.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 9 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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