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
This is compounded with the fact that many Gen Zers came of age during the pandemic, which saw a cultural shift toward remote working and prioritizing balance. Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025 In a shift from recent years, the majority of Americans now have a negative view toward Israel, according to new polling, which comes as the war in Gaza marks a year and a half long. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
  • The company intended to move the drug into late-stage testing, which is generally the last phase of development before a company submits the potential treatment to government regulators for approval.
    Time, Time, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Our reporters talk to each other and move around candidates from one category to another.
    Alexandra York, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That ratio is naturally reversed here, though the director drops in a few snippets of the actual team near the beginning and the end, including a grainy, chilling shot of the real Lemons twitching near the ocean floor.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Kirk says that when a cat experiences changes in air pressure, which can also happen while riding in a car, their ears may move or twitch in response.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Howard plays himself as a tyrannical auteur who petulantly refuses to cut a vacuous scene from his overlong thriller, warding off pleas only to change his mind at the moment of truth.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Surveillance footage shows an individual, who authorities identified as Hernandez, changing into bright yellow worker's clothing, seeming to blend in after the shooting.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By establishing a common language for inter-agent interaction, A2A allows agents to securely exchange information, coordinate actions and collaborate dynamically without sharing memory or tools.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Her relationship with her husband Michael is more forward-facing, with the two often exchanging playful banter on the Him & Her podcast.
    Virginia Chamlee, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As an adult, this coping mechanism can quietly spill into your relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • However, after all was said and done, only Alex and Lino managed to cope through the ramifications of the experiment, continuing their relationship and are now engaged.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • By 2019, Mush had relocated to Chicago and was pulling in $5 million in annual sales.
    Chloe Sorvino, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But with Pokrovsk itself heavily defended and the military supplies previously situated there largely relocated, Russia’s main effort in the area could be to push westward, rather than north.
    Andrew Carey and Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic, thyme, 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
    Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While most modern employees feel a general sense of security going to work, their experience varies across industries and workplaces.
    Elissa Rossi, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Most teams have carried around 120 players, but that number varies, ranging from as little as 110 to as high as 140 in some instances.
    Sam Khan Jr., New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

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

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