SHIFT Synonyms: 232 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shift 1 of 2

verb

ˈshift

Definition of shift next

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

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Relevance

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as in to twitch

to change one's position she shifted uncomfortably in her seat throughout the interview

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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

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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

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as in to cope

to meet one's day-to-day needs left the others to shift for themselves

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shift

2 of 2

noun

as in means

an action planned or taken to achieve a desired result desperate shifts to stave off financial disaster

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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

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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

Examples 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

As of November, cotton prices had shifted about 10 percent lower from previous months, with the A Index for global pricing sitting at 83 cents per pound on Nov. 11 right ahead of the Summit. —

Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 21 Nov. 2024 Even global events can shift Oscar outcomes outside of elections. —

Clayton Davis, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024

Noun

That dynamic explains the shift in his music’s tone in these last few albums, and why Chromakopia feels like a significant moment for him. —

Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024 The policy shift comes as the Biden administration seeks to bolster its support for Ukraine before President-elect Trump takes office and likely reduces U.S. support for Kyiv's defense. —

Ivana Saric, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shift

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shift

Verb

If the company does not adhere to the agreement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can move forward with the case.

Jason Green, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
According to the article, published in 2016, Lo moved into the New York Edition hotel, in the Gramercy area, then racked up a $13,000 tab and refused to leave for nearly two months.

Suzanne Seggerman, Curbed, 14 Nov. 2024