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
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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of shift
Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
After another disappointing quarter, Tesla Inc. appears to be shifting its focus from electric vehicle sales growth and toward artificial intelligence and autonomy — two areas that have yet to drive significant profit.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
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
Verb
Kansas City record store Manor Records is closed — but owner Shaun Crowley said his goal to help local artists isn’t ending, just shifting.
—Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025
After another disappointing quarter, Tesla Inc. appears to be shifting its focus from electric vehicle sales growth and toward artificial intelligence and autonomy — two areas that have yet to drive significant profit.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 25 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
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The implant was allegedly moved when Niven, 34, elbowed Nikki mid-fight.—
Madison E. Goldberg,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
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Mary, a young scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, had resigned and moved across the country to start a job in the private sector.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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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
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At times, Woods reminds me of 2025 Cleveland Browns first-rounder Mason Graham, with the quickness and twitch to play just about anywhere along a defensive front and the power/hand speed to be a three-down weapon at either spot inside.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Since all the council members sit on the budget committee that voted and heard budget, little, if anything, in the budget is expected to change.—
Scott Wartman,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
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These leadership changes follow the departure of Barbara Lynne Jamison, who has become General Director and CEO of Opera Colorado.—
Kirby Adams,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
Verb
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The suspect then exchanged gunfire with officers and was critically wounded, according to police.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
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Messi exchanged passes with Luis Suárez and slid the ball across the face of goal for Weigandt to bundle it home, only for the assistant on the far side to flag for offside.—
Martin Rogers,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
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The class encompasses information about exercises to prepare the mother for birth, relaxation and coping techniques, pain control options, labor positioning, induction and C-section basics, recovery and welcoming baby.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 July 2025
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In a viral Instagram video, a cat owner revealed how her husband took care of their cat during a scary thunderstorm, and internet users can't cope with it.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Verb
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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
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According to The New York Times, the family relocated to Miami two years later, in 2004, to help Maria train more seriously and secure a spot on a college team.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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That Trump’s name appears in Epstein files the government has not yet publicized has stirred a variety of reactions among his supporters.—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
24 July 2025
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To make the honey syrup: mix two parts honey by volume with one part hot water and stir to incorporate (let chill before preparing the cocktail).—
Jillian Dara,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Both regular and decaf coffee stimulate the bowels, but their effects vary depending on the caffeine content and additives like milk.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
21 July 2025
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For those born earlier, the full retirement age varies and is less than 67 based on when you were born.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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