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
In the business world, in particular, many companies shifted operations from fully on-site work models to remote and hybrid work models. Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025 Marriotts Ridge shifted its defense in the later stages of the second quarter to shut down Mt. Hebron's offense and rally for the win. Jacob Steinberg, Baltimore Sun, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
Amid the contractions and shifts in RSNs, some NBA franchises have ditched cable entirely to distribute games via over-the-air broadcasts and a companion streaming service. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 Mar. 2025 Jones has helped the Panthers control about 60 percent of shots during his five-on-five shifts in three consecutive games. James Mirtle, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • Eventually any discourse about his low batting average and moving him in the lineup evaporated as Judge finished with a .322 average, 58 homers and 144 RBIS, barely missing out on matching Mickey Mantle in the Triple Crown department.
    Larry Fleisher, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Life Time is moving forward on plans to expand into Idaho.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In the footage, the faceless android is seen suspended from the ceiling, its limbs twitching and moving in an unsettlingly human-like manner.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 11 Mar. 2025
  • For example, dogs who love running might be twitching their paws while dreaming.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • After more than a decade Jérôme Lambert has returned to the helm of Jaeger-LeCoultre, and in some ways nothing much has changed.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Pay attention to the market of your target industry and see how specific companies change in the future.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • These Crowns can be exchanged for a variety of prizes, including bonus bets and discounts for traveling.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Usually, the cast and musical and guest stars stick around on stage to exchange hugs and congratulations.
    Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are essential ways to cope with stress and stay healthy.
    Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Local providers may be better placed to cope with European regulation – both in the European Union and the UK – on data privacy and management, for example.
    David Prosser, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Two years earlier, her employer had sold his house in Brentwood, California, and relocated to Wellington.
    Emily Witt, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
  • After obtaining the snake, Narellan Snake Catchers relocated and released the animal in a less populated location.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Combine Ingredients In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, garlic powder, and salt.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The united court verdict and its immediate acceptance by South Korea’s two major political parties stirred hope that the young democracy can turn the page on the martial law fiasco – a jarring reminder for many citizens of the country’s dark legacy of military dictatorship as recently as the 1980s.
    Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Go all in on a monochrome set, or embrace playfulness (and a collectors’ eye) with varying colors—each dishwasher-safe porcelain plate is sold separately.
    Erika Owen, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Booking prices varies depending on the date of your stay, but reservations in mid-April cost $238 per night and go up to $278 per night mid-May.
    Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 4 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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