shift 1 of 2

1
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

shift

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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
Verb
For instance, Apple has already shifted some of its manufacturing and export operations to India. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 15 May 2025 Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other nations in the region have vast quantities of oil money, access to plenty of power, and a strong desire to shift toward more high-tech economies by building out cutting-edge tech infrastructure. Will Knight, Wired News, 15 May 2025
Noun
But a confrontation with the courts was averted by an ideological shift. Scott Neuman, NPR, 16 May 2025 When asked, another Caltrans spokesperson said the letter sent to employees in April served as the response to the rally. Space savings The difference between departments highlights just how differently state workers across Sacramento may experience the shift back to in-person work. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • If the execution moves forward this time, Smith will be the first inmate executed in Tennessee since 2020 and the 19th in the U.S. this year.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Riley Robinson/Staff A wind blows down the border, twitching pale dry grass.
    Riley Robinson, Christian Science Monitor, 6 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The area began changing drastically in the 1990s after Leo had moved away and when steel mills and other factories where village residents worked closed.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • What really changed for Bobrovsky was the Panthers went from a run-and-gun offensive team to an in-your-face defensive team under coach Paul Maurice.
    Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa (L) and U.S. President Donald Trump exchange words during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.
    Gerald Imray, Fortune, 21 May 2025
  • As part of the task force, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network could issue alerts, exchange information with banks and refiners to stay updated on traffickers, and encourage trading entities to file reports on suspicious transactions.
    SASHA LEZHNEV, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • To cope with the downturn, Hyatt responded by temporarily suspending operations at many of its hotels and implementing wide-scale workforce adjustments.
    Mind Share Partners, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Research suggests parents who do this have children who are secure in their relationship with their parents, are more confident, have fewer behavior challenges, and are better able to weather difficulties and cope with challenges.
    Contributing, Oc Register, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • As for what will happen to the rides and attractions, the company told PEOPLE nothing is finalized and relocating or selling to other operators are options.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 16 May 2025
  • Fitting rooms have been relocated to what had previously been back-office space to allow the selling space to be expanded.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Leia forms the Resistance Senator Leia Organa discovers a new danger stirring in the galaxy: the First Order.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 25 May 2025
  • Transfer onions to a medium bowl and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Lee said there are a number of reasons low-income student populations in schools vary from year to year and are part of overall changes in the student body, like slight declines in district enrollment and increasing ethnic diversity.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2025
  • Prices for one-day admission to Epic for the rest of the year vary daily and range from $139 (for four days in September) to $199 (from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Eve).
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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