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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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
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5
as in coping
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shifting
Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
Whether the global minimum tax will meaningfully reduce profit shifting remains an open question.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The pain suffered by the son hovers like a dark spot, giant yet shape-shifting—and never quite revealing itself.
—Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
The shifting of southeast winds to the northeast at 5 to 10 mph in the morning will signal the approaching cold front.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
This also keeps the filling in place, preventing any shifting after laundry day.
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
The sofa should support the room’s natural focal point and allow guests to sit comfortably without twisting or shifting.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Windows remain a talking point — particularly amid a potential acquisition of a legacy studio by a streamer — as does volume and the shifting of moviegoing habits.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
While wireless derailleurs may offer fast and precise electronic shifting, the things ain't cheap.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025
Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026
Finally, two Olympic torches were lit two Olympic cauldrons, in Milan and Cortina, their flames at the center of shape-shifting spheres.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Airport officials said the changes are due to rising operating expenses and shifting demand.
—Chase Jordan
february 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 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.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
With shifting weather patterns, some milder winters have prevented races altogether.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
As freight markets brace for another year of uncertainty, carriers and shippers alike are navigating volatile rates, shifting trade lanes and an uneven path back to normalcy.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
The recent ice buildup and shifting tide likely caused the break, according to Keansburg Mayor George Hoff.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
However, the odds began shifting in Warsh’s favor since the start of the new year.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
The therapists at the spa were well-trained; always ready to address questions and concerns and accommodate shifting needs.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026
Whether the global minimum tax will meaningfully reduce profit shifting remains an open question.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
The pain suffered by the son hovers like a dark spot, giant yet shape-shifting—and never quite revealing itself.
—Dan Sheehan, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
The shifting of southeast winds to the northeast at 5 to 10 mph in the morning will signal the approaching cold front.
—Roberto Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 21 Jan. 2026
This also keeps the filling in place, preventing any shifting after laundry day.
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2026
The sofa should support the room’s natural focal point and allow guests to sit comfortably without twisting or shifting.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 14 Jan. 2026
Windows remain a talking point — particularly amid a potential acquisition of a legacy studio by a streamer — as does volume and the shifting of moviegoing habits.
—Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 2 Jan. 2026
While wireless derailleurs may offer fast and precise electronic shifting, the things ain't cheap.
—New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
Executives at the show, which closes on Sunday, pointed to shifting alliances and tougher rhetoric from major powers as a catalyst for the trend.
—Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2026
Finally, two Olympic torches were lit two Olympic cauldrons, in Milan and Cortina, their flames at the center of shape-shifting spheres.
—Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
Airport officials said the changes are due to rising operating expenses and shifting demand.
—Chase Jordan
february 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 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.
—Austin Sanders, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
With shifting weather patterns, some milder winters have prevented races altogether.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
As freight markets brace for another year of uncertainty, carriers and shippers alike are navigating volatile rates, shifting trade lanes and an uneven path back to normalcy.
—Sourcing Journal, 6 Feb. 2026
The recent ice buildup and shifting tide likely caused the break, according to Keansburg Mayor George Hoff.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
However, the odds began shifting in Warsh’s favor since the start of the new year.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shifting
Noun
-
Mohan highlighted that a favorable mix shift to higher capacity HDDs, stable pricing, and a focus on cost improvements could fuel gross margin above 50%, an operating margin of more than 40%, and EPS higher than $20.—
TipRanks,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The shift could also be transformative for India, currently the world’s diabetes capital and among the fastest-growing markets on the planet for anti-obesity treatments and drugs.—
Ayushi Shah,
CNN Money,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The two-day road trip would also mark Guthrie’s first time moving away from home.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Where is Ellen DeGeneres moving now?—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There is another issue, of course, squirming away in the soft flesh of maternity leave.—
Nell Frizzell,
Vogue,
13 Jan. 2026
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An annual tradition in the legal circle, as well as his UCLA symposium sit-downs, the hourlong speech from the predominantly softspoken Ziffren clearly had a few attendees squirming in their seats near the end.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At one point, many good mechanics and some engine rebuilders would recommend changing engine oil at 500 miles.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The other challenge was just changing the paradigm of what people felt about downtown districts.—
Hema Sivanandam,
Mercury News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kaoru Mitoma also spurned a good opportunity in the opening quarter of the contest, slotting wide of the far post after exchanging passes with Welbeck.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The Fire Dogs and Law Hogs were united as one before kickoff, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Get rid of your ex's belongings and gifts This coping mechanism is one for people of legal drinking age.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Ever since Cile was swept away by the floodwaters that swamped Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country last summer, her mother has been coping with her grief by writing her daughter a letter every day.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Without the fear of being captured mid-tear or mid-questionable dance moves, people are quicker to let their guards down and enjoy themselves fully.—
Nikita Khanna,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
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In fact, new analysis shows the move could cost United States ratepayers billions over the next two years.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Manus started developing its agentic AI tools — for tasks such as market research and data analysis — as a start-up in China, before relocating to Singapore.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Zendaya revealed that her robust parade of new projects this year—including playing a bride-to-be in The Drama opposite Robert Pattinson—means that the couple won’t be relocating to one place anytime soon.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shifting. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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