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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Innovations in investments focus on the present and a shifting global economy, highlighting the critical need for planning in an era of uncertainty.
—Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 May 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
This year's race will once again be shown on NBC, with coverage beginning on USA and Peacock before shifting to NBC and Peacock later in the day as the big race nears.
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 2 May 2025
Innovations in investments focus on the present and a shifting global economy, highlighting the critical need for planning in an era of uncertainty.
—Priya Prakash Royal Esq. Ll.m. Mba Aep Tep, Forbes.com, 1 May 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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The song really changed my career — changed my life.—
Mikael Wood,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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In a report released Wednesday by the Federal Reserve, analysts noted that economic activity was little changed since the central bank’s previous report but said that uncertainty around international trade policy was pervasive across its reports.—
Kevin Williams,
Quartz,
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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Chana Joffe-Walt’s series of episodes provides a unique perspective on the war, emphasizing the humanity and agency of those living through it – from families navigating relocation to children coping with trauma, ultimately illustrating the resilience of life amid despair.—
Marcus Jones,
IndieWire,
1 May 2025
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The lawsuits seek money to help communities cope with the risks and damages from global warming, including more extreme storms, floods and heat waves.—
Michael Copley
,
Russell Newlove,
NPR,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The couple relocated to the Eastern Shore two years ago.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
22 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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Continue adding stock as needed, stirring frequently, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is al dente and the vegetables are tender.—
Shivani Vora,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes. 2: Add the water, beans (with their liquid), tomatoes, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, oregano and red pepper flakes, if using, and stir to combine.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Many businesses don't realize that certification levels vary, and choosing a lower-tier option may not meet regulatory or customer expectations.—
Metin Kortak,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
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The selection of products at Streets’ full-service grocery stores varies slightly based on the location — for example, the store on Eastern Avenue, located in a community with a growing Hispanic population, offers a wider selection of international products than its downtown location.—
Dan Belson,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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