as in shift
the act or an instance of changing position
the shifting of the toys to the front of the display was a direct result of their sudden popularity
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in moving
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in squirming
to change one's position
she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in changing
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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4
as in exchanging
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 coping
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shifting
Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Her use of Auto-Tune and pitch-shifting won’t surprise anyone who’s heard either her solo records or her many collaborations with fellow Texas ambient composer claire rousay, but the context in which her voice is used might come as a shock.
—Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
The administration has offered shifting rationales and timelines since the start of the conflict.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Paired with a 7-speed Shimano rear derailleur, the drivetrain ensures smooth, durable, and low-maintenance shifting, adaptable to varied terrain.
—New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
There’s been a shifting of military buildup.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Tuck thick layers of dryer lint between and around fragile items to pad them from any shifting of the box’s contents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Either way, Meloni has mastered political shape-shifting, becoming a bridge between nationalist and mainstream Europe.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
But Walnut Way and other consumer advocate groups say the We Energies' plan, drafted with data center companies and no public input, leaves gaps that allow cost shifting.
—Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2026
Austin Sanders has covered public safety in Austin for over six years, with a focus on shifting trends in policing practices, civilian oversight of law enforcement, and new developments in how cities handle emergency medical services and fire response.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
With names such as Bobby Okereke, Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David still on the board, the Cowboys seem to be shifting their focus to address the giant need that grows more concerning with each player who gets signed elsewhere.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
What teachers can do The current, rapidly shifting war in the Middle East is sharply distinct from the war on terror.
—Amaarah Decuir, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
And maybe to gently remind us that moviegoing is as endangered by shifting sensibilities as are people who live in the shadow of a volcano, one whose AD 79 eruption is a civilizational marker nobody there can truly escape.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Pulling additional dollars from the LGDF risks shifting the burden onto Illinois homeowners, who already face some of the highest property tax bills in the country.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The singer shared several photos from the famed Long Pond Studios, where Dessner worked with Taylor Swift on her culture-shifting LPs folklore and evermore.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2026
The market is shifting from smaller retail facilities to larger hyperscale and wholesale data centers, such as the facilities under construction in Mount Pleasant and Port Washington.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
Tech companies appear to be particularly aggressive with profit shifting.
—Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Her use of Auto-Tune and pitch-shifting won’t surprise anyone who’s heard either her solo records or her many collaborations with fellow Texas ambient composer claire rousay, but the context in which her voice is used might come as a shock.
—Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026
The administration has offered shifting rationales and timelines since the start of the conflict.
—Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
Paired with a 7-speed Shimano rear derailleur, the drivetrain ensures smooth, durable, and low-maintenance shifting, adaptable to varied terrain.
—New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2026
There’s been a shifting of military buildup.
—Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 5 Mar. 2026
Tuck thick layers of dryer lint between and around fragile items to pad them from any shifting of the box’s contents.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Either way, Meloni has mastered political shape-shifting, becoming a bridge between nationalist and mainstream Europe.
—Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2026
But Walnut Way and other consumer advocate groups say the We Energies' plan, drafted with data center companies and no public input, leaves gaps that allow cost shifting.
—Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
That shape-shifting hue laid the groundwork for a bold yet unexpectedly cohesive palette room to room, with wallpapers that lend an Art Deco flavor.
—Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 13 Mar. 2026
Austin Sanders has covered public safety in Austin for over six years, with a focus on shifting trends in policing practices, civilian oversight of law enforcement, and new developments in how cities handle emergency medical services and fire response.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026
With names such as Bobby Okereke, Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David still on the board, the Cowboys seem to be shifting their focus to address the giant need that grows more concerning with each player who gets signed elsewhere.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026
What teachers can do The current, rapidly shifting war in the Middle East is sharply distinct from the war on terror.
—Amaarah Decuir, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 2026
And maybe to gently remind us that moviegoing is as endangered by shifting sensibilities as are people who live in the shadow of a volcano, one whose AD 79 eruption is a civilizational marker nobody there can truly escape.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Pulling additional dollars from the LGDF risks shifting the burden onto Illinois homeowners, who already face some of the highest property tax bills in the country.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The singer shared several photos from the famed Long Pond Studios, where Dessner worked with Taylor Swift on her culture-shifting LPs folklore and evermore.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2026
The market is shifting from smaller retail facilities to larger hyperscale and wholesale data centers, such as the facilities under construction in Mount Pleasant and Port Washington.
—Jr Radcliffe, jsonline.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shifting
Noun
-
On the opening shift, Boldy got the puck at the far blue line, weaved though a few Rangers defenders and fired through a screen to beat the New York goalie just 35 seconds into the period.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
15 Mar. 2026
-
However, the Stryker disruption may signal a shift toward more aggressive actions targeting corporate infrastructure.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
So if a person thinks about moving their hand, the device reads those brain signals and turns them into an actual movement.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
-
From that point, the cycle of roaming from beach to pool to spa to catamaran to tennis courts takes over, moving at the speed set entirely by you, the guest.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
There will be no squirming tonight.—
Addie Citchens,
New Yorker,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the new iteration that would be Jack and his girlfriend Martha (Elle Fanning), whose introduction to the Taylors is one of many scenes played out with squirming discomfort.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The redesign coincides with changing times in the organization, from a new coaching staff, a reshaped roster, and soon, a new stadium set to open in 2027.—
Zach Powell,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
The options include changing the backup device name and selecting which hard drives to back up.—
Justin Pot,
PC Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
At one point, Waliczko and Smith were exchanging baskets, answering each other as the crowd became even more engaged knowing these were two future WNBA players doing battle.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Birds chirped and neighbors emerged from hibernation, exchanging greetings after months indoors.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Hansen had been filming for years, often using the camera as a personal coping mechanism.—
Lise Pedersen,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
-
That means finding coping mechanisms that work not just in moments of crises, but that reduce overall anxiety in the long run too.—
Jenna Ryu,
SELF,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Hoover’s next move would take him right to the heart of his comfort zone.—
Matthew Odam,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The couple hasn’t put their house on the market yet but hope to make the move this summer.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Dallas City Council member Chad West, a key voice pushing for a review that could lead to relocating City Hall, defended the unannounced tours of potential relocation sites as key to evaluating the city’s options.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Mar. 2026
-
The administrator who spoke to the Southern California News Group regretted not relocating sooner and planned to move away as soon as possible.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
15 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shifting. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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