1
as in to move
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to cope
to meet one's day-to-day needs
left the others to shift for themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in means
an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result
desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in shifting
the act or an instance of changing position
made a small shift to the left to make more room on the bench
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
But there is also a strong sense that something shifted on a global scale in the Oval Office last week.
—Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Mar. 2025
Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
The new policy has been temporarily stayed by a federal judge, but Bhattacharya would be responsible for navigating any shifts in the agency’s grant-making policies and reforms (which many scientists agree are needed) to make the NIH more efficient.
—Alice Park, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Verb
On the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane that traverses the Arctic Ocean, Beijing will exploit its cooperation with Moscow to increase Russia's dependence on Chinese expertise and investments, which will further shift the power balance in its favor, the report said.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
But there is also a strong sense that something shifted on a global scale in the Oval Office last week.
—Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
The shift at Target follows a broader trend of corporations reevaluating their DEI strategies in response to political and economic pressures.
—Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 5 Mar. 2025
The new policy has been temporarily stayed by a federal judge, but Bhattacharya would be responsible for navigating any shifts in the agency’s grant-making policies and reforms (which many scientists agree are needed) to make the NIH more efficient.
—Alice Park, TIME, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift
Verb
-
The dog named Vera was surrendered to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay when her owners moved.—
Liz O'Connell,
Newsweek,
26 Feb. 2025
-
On one of those days, Sue began asking Ken to move her to a care home.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
For example, dogs who love running might be twitching their paws while dreaming.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Yes, our entire way of life is changing and under Republican ideology, not for the better.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Mar. 2025
-
Sacks repeatedly compared bitcoin to U.S. holdings of gold, explaining that the U.S. won't be selling it, unless Trump changes his mind down the road.—
Selina Wang,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
During a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Brazil in November 2023, Messi and Rodrygo exchanged insults.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
26 Feb. 2025
-
During season five’s ballet party, Gina and Mosley exchanged a look that alluded to either an existing affair or a future one.—
Brian Davids,
The Hollywood Reporter,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
After a roll call where each reveals their imminent reprisal of fan-favorite Dimension 20 characters — including a Staten Island divorcee, a wisecracking pizza rat, and a drug dealer still coping from a breakup — the game begins.—
Eric Francisco,
Rolling Stone,
1 Mar. 2025
-
President Donald Trump is obsessed with how California manages its water supply, demanding changes as one price of giving the state billions of dollars in aid to cope with Southern California’s deadly and destructive wildfires.—
Dan Walters,
The Mercury News,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In 2024, the darkroom relocated to a brand-new facility at 334 Himrod Street in Bushwick.—
Molly Peck,
USA TODAY,
4 Mar. 2025
-
The two special needs preschool programs for students with disabilities at Silver Shores would relocate to Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines.—
Jimena Tavel,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Bring vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and mustard seeds to a boil in a small saucepan over high, stirring often.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Drown them with an ample amount of water and stir to confirm that everything is cold to the touch.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Scientists say that the protection offered by flu shots varies widely based on several drivers, not just how well-matched the shots are to what strains are circulating.—
Alexander Tin,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2025
-
Segment performance varied: the Global Business Solutions Group grew by 21% to $2.9 billion, Credit Karma sales increased by 36% to $511 million, Consumer Group sales rose by 3% to $509 million, while ProTax Group revenue declined by 1% to $272 million.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to shift
Cite this Entry
“Shift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shift. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share