Thesaurus

shift

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of shift

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to change the place or position of

he shifted the vase closer to the wall so that it wouldn't get knocked over

Synonyms for shift

Words Related to shift

Near Antonyms for shift

embed
(also imbed),
entrench
(also intrench),
implant,
ingrain
(also engrain),
lodge,
root

2 to change one's position

she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview

Synonyms for shift

Words Related to shift

rouse

Near Antonyms for shift

stabilize

Antonyms for shift

freeze,
still

3 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 for shift

Words Related to shift

better,
improve

deteriorate,
worsen

turn around

Antonyms for shift

plateau,
stabilize

4 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 for shift

Words Related to shift

interchange

reciprocate

5 to meet one's day-to-day needs

left the others to shift for themselves

Synonyms for shift

Words Related to shift

last,
survive

afford,
swing

Phrases Synonymous with shift

Near Antonyms for shift

give up

shift

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of shift (Entry 2 of 2)

1 an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result

desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster

Synonyms for shift

Words Related to shift

2 the act or an instance of changing position

made a small shift to the left to make more room on the bench

Synonyms for shift

Words Related to shift

Near Antonyms for shift

immobility

Antonyms for shift

motionlessness

Frequently Asked Questions About shift

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