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
The fund’s mission during the Bass administration has shifted to combating homelessness. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 House Bill 1001, the state budget bill, includes language that would shift two appointments from the Gary mayor to the mayors of Crown Point and Hammond to appoint a person each to the Gary Airport Board. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
In Hollywood, there is a shift happening, a move toward programming geared to Trump’s America. Jason Parham, WIRED, 17 Mar. 2025 Ironically, that attitude shift may be helping keep egg prices from rising even further. Juliana Kim, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • Re-signing two of their own free agents, defensive tackle Kevin Givens and running back Patrick Taylor Jr., to one-year deals didn’t move the enthusiasm needle much, either.
    Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025
  • This requires a fundamental redefinition of the sales process, moving away from a purely transactional model toward a more engaging, collaborative and impactful approach.
    Drew Gurley, Forbes, 10 Mar. 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
  • Something similar happened to Lindon’s recreation of a Picasso painting: His hand twitched, tearing the work to pieces.
    Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • However, as part of Investigation Discovery’s The Curious Case of Natalia Grace, Natalia took a DNA methylation test, which determines age by how much one’s DNA has changed over time.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Discussions around changing West Ada’s classroom display policy in 2022 were informed by this new law, with content neutrality seen as a way to prevent bias — or accusations of bias — in schools.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Here is what may be next for Israel and Gaza Under the ceasefire deal, which came into effect on January 19, Hamas has so far exchanged 33 Israeli hostages for about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees and has also freed five Thai hostages.
    Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Former board chair Kim Silvers, who was owner and founder of Silvers HR, LLC, exchanged human resources services for on-air announcements of her business, according to documents obtained by The Sacramento Bee.
    Ishani Desai, Sacramento Bee, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Depression and anxiety is so rampant after COVID-19 that our kids have not been able to cope and really excel in their daily lives.
    Emily Alvarenga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
  • In 2017, Luc-John Pentz was 30 years old and starting to struggle, burdened by life’s stressors and trying to cope by leaning heavily on alcohol.
    Matt Vasilogambros, Baltimore Sun, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • At various points in the episode, Ms. Huang completes her fellowship and prepares to be relocated to another Lumon facility, Dylan resigns out of despair over never getting to live the life his outie has, and Burt encourages Outie Irving to get out of town before Lumon can hurt him.
    Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Trump in February said all the Palestinians living in Gaza should be relocated into other Middle East countries, while the U.S. develops the territory.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The formation of the team has stirred unease among some DOJ officials who worry that Musk's DOGE operatives could move aggressively to slash department personnel and programs, sources told ABC News.
    Will Steakin, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • From there, fill with ice, and stir until fully chilled for about 15 seconds.
    Claudia Alarcón, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • From every destination, the team had to visit the local catering facility and sample the food, where menus vary based on the city.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The price of a permit generally varies by city or municipality.
    Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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