Synonyms for
Shift
Definition
To move or change something from one place or position to another.
Synonyms & similar words
transmutation
tilt
stir
change
transformation
break
shimmy
chemise
reposition
slip
wobble
fault
agitate
displacement
lurch
switching
pitch
budge
sack
shifting
careen
teddy
transfer
faulting
switch
move
transfer
switch
adjust
relocate
displace
reposition
shuffle
vary
alternate
modify
convert
transform
adapt
evolve
progress
change
fluctuate
oscillate
Synonyms by register
Formal
Literary
Antonyms
Common collocations
- shift gears
- shift focus
- shift perspective
- shift responsibility
- shift the blame
- shift the paradigm
- shift the conversation
Word family
Usage note
As a verb, 'shift' often implies a gradual or subtle change. As a noun, it can refer to a period of work or a change in position.
Compare "shift" with another word →
Example sentences
- I need to shift my car to the other side of the street.
- She shifted the vase from the table to the shelf.
- He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
- We need to shift our focus to a different strategy.
- The winds will shift from the east to the west.
Quotes
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein
The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. - Alan Watts
In any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety. - Abraham Maslow