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
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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
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5
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shift
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Through expert analysis and relentless advocacy, Razavi was able to shift the case in his client’s favor, demonstrating the true circumstances surrounding the accident.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Joce Blake, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
For most companies, making such a shift would require committing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars to building and expanding U.S. factories, economists say.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
The numbers shifted as mail-in ballots were tallied.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2025
Through expert analysis and relentless advocacy, Razavi was able to shift the case in his client’s favor, demonstrating the true circumstances surrounding the accident.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
The shift from print to digital has disrupted traditional media hierarchies, yet Black women still struggle to access opportunities.
—Joce Blake, Essence, 22 Apr. 2025
For most companies, making such a shift would require committing hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars to building and expanding U.S. factories, economists say.
—Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
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Martinez moves well enough laterally to make defenders miss and bounce outside.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2025
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In recent decades, the agency has continued boring tunnels where needed to move water.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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If their tail starts twitching or their ears are flattened, then they may be overstimulated, which can lead to aggression.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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Real Estate As Ballast Against Market Turbulence Why does Manhattan real estate hold up while other assets twitch?—
Spencer Elliott,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Show them that changing their skin now, or obsessing over one type of look that puts them in a box, isn’t necessarily the best use of their time—these trends are likely to surge in popularity and then completely disappear just as quickly.—
Jana Pollack,
Parents,
24 Apr. 2025
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The climate keeps changing, despite the Trump administration's attempt to silence the entire phenomenon.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Gifts were exchanged, and the Pope wished the King and Queen a happy 20th wedding anniversary, which fell on the same day as their meeting.—
Meredith Kile,
People.com,
26 Apr. 2025
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Instead, tickets for Saturday’s game can be exchanged — online only — for a similar regular season game.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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As an adult, this coping mechanism can quietly spill into your relationship.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Many cancer centers offer services to help patients and families cope with the psychological and emotional sides of cancer.—
Julie Scott, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP,
Verywell Health,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Boca Raton parks and recreation officials are looking to improve and update the city’s parks by analyzing the existing parks to determine what changes are needed the most and where to relocate some of the city’s current facilities.—
South Florida Sun Sentinel,
Sun Sentinel,
22 Apr. 2025
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The couple relocated to the Eastern Shore two years ago.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.—
Nicole Hopper,
Southern Living,
17 Apr. 2025
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Add the cheddar, ham and chives and stir with a fork to combine.—
Nicole Hvidsten,
Boston Herald,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Most teams have carried around 120 players, but that number varies, ranging from as little as 110 to as high as 140 in some instances.—
Sam Khan Jr.,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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While most modern employees feel a general sense of security going to work, their experience varies across industries and workplaces.—
Elissa Rossi,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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