Synonyms of shoulder

shoulder

verb

1

as in to accept

to take to or upon oneself

agreed to shoulder the burden of caring for their elderly father

Synonyms & Similar Words

• accept
• assume
• bear
• undertake
• embrace
• take over
• back
• adopt
• take up
• stand by
• support
• advocate
• endorse
• consent
• acquiesce
• uphold
• accede
• agree
• assent
• espouse
• champion
• reassume
• reaccept

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take back
• withdraw
• refuse
• disclaim
• repudiate
• turn down
• renounce
• retract
• disavow
• avoid
• reject
• disown
• decline
• refrain (from)
• spurn
• bypass
• abjure
• abstain (from)
• recant
• forbear
• relinquish
• detour
• give up
• surrender
• unsay
• abandon
• forsake
• back down
• back off
• backtrack
• abnegate

2

as in to push

to force one's way

shouldered through the crowd at the bar and ordered a drink

Synonyms & Similar Words

• push
• elbow
• squeeze
• muscle
• bull
• bore
• shove
• press
• crash
• jam
• thrust
• jostle
• bulldoze
• ram

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shoulder

Working-class people are less likely to be able to shoulder those burdens. — Nicholas Carnes, Time, 4 Nov. 2026

As affordability tops voters’ concerns, there is arguably no single expense Americans shoulder that’s more potent or political than the price of a gallon of gasoline. — Allie Canal, NBC news, 2 Nov. 2026

Your most dependable employees frequently shoulder the greatest burden of organizational change. — Jason Richmond, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Kevin Kugler will shoulder the play-by-play responsibilities, with Daryl Johnston as the analyst and Allison Williams as the sideline reporter. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026

Phrases Containing shoulder

• chip on one's shoulder
• cold shoulder

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Editor Peter Sokolowski breaks down a number of body parts with metaphorical uses as verbs, from head to toe.

Transcript:

Many parts of the body can be used as verbs in either a physical or a metaphorical sense. You can head a company, but if things go wrong you'll have to shoulder the blame, or face your investors. A good leader backs their employees, but if you don't toe the line you might get skinned. Did you muscle your way into that job? You might eye someone suspiciously, or wait for the police to finger a suspect. But if you need to get out of town, try thumbing a ride. You can ride with me if you can stomach the thought. I don't always sing along to the radio, but you might see me mouthing the words.