1
as in to move
to change the place or position of
he shifted the vase closer to the wall so that it wouldn't get knocked over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
made a small shift to the left to make more room on the bench
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 shift
Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
This fall, the emphasis has shifted toward putting those plays into action and identifying standout players.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
That shift helps lower emissions and create a more resilient grid for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
Using inboard suspension from Canadian company Multimatic also shifts weight closer to the car’s center line and cuts air turbulence around the wheel arches.
—Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2025
This fall, the emphasis has shifted toward putting those plays into action and identifying standout players.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
As red-hot Mars enters Libra on Aug. 6, the energy shifts toward balance and harmony, bringing the focus to partnership and cooperation.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
That shift helps lower emissions and create a more resilient grid for homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
-
Mederos had been more over the top, but the Angels moved his arm down about 10 degrees.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
14 Aug. 2025
-
For neighboring Arizonans hoping to glimpse the site of the spacecraft soaring overhead, the moving schedule may have caused some confusion.—
Eric Lagatta,
AZCentral.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
One of the 50 boys starts convulsing on the road, and as Jonsson and Hoffman’s characters walk backwards to see what happens, soldiers have their guns trained on his twitching body before a gunshot rings out.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
25 July 2025
-
This is why after a snake is killed, its body will still twitch and move around, and why its head can still bite.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 July 2025
Verb
-
According to reports from The Guardian and the Associated Press, the vice president's security detail from the Secret Service requested that the Army Corps of Engineers change the outflow of a lake into the Little Miami River ahead of Vance's trip to southwest Ohio on Saturday, Aug. 2.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Businesses need to commit rapidly to change to avoid becoming obsolete.—
Adrian Carr,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Eleven years later, Jon Hamm exchanged vows with actor Anna Osceola on a cliff near Anderson Canyon at sunset.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Additionally, over 120 jurisdictions now exchange financial data automatically under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).—
Anatoly Iofe,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Overwhelming feelings can lead to unhealthy spending habits as a way to cope or find relief, Baeckström said.—
Natalie Wu,
CNBC,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Tottenham’s squad struggled to cope with the demands of the Premier League and the Europa League last season.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Trump’s moves could scramble the economic trajectory of India, which until recently was seen as an alternative to China by American companies looking to relocate their manufacturing.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The country has a fantastic digital infrastructure, ensuring its residents stay connected, and an e-residency program to make relocating a little easier.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Cook over high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Aug. 2025
-
While the girl kicked and laughed, the water, stirred from its sleep, latched on to her ankle and then swallowed her whole.—
Tochi Eze
August 5,
Literary Hub,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The cost per location can vary widely based on terrain and population density.—
Jon Brodkin,
ArsTechnica,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The length of time Piano Man has spent on each list varies widely.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share