shift
verb (used with object)
to put (something) aside and replace it by another or others; change or exchange.
shifted
-
past participleof shift.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof shift.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
shiftverb (used with object)to put (something) aside and replace it by another or others; change or exchange.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Anthony Saglimbene, chief market strategist at Ameriprise, said the market’s focus has shifted from strong earnings growth earlier this year to whether companies can deliver enough returns on their AI investments over the summer.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 2, 2026
Cranes shifted the carriages as police and soldiers picked through the wreckage strewn down the gravel slope where at least three train carriages were tossed by the impact.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
The new armies of vibe coders have trust issues as well—their time has shifted from writing code to testing code.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
After the first 12 weeks, participants shifted toward maintaining their weight loss rather than continuing rapid weight reduction.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 30, 2026
“Uh . . .” He shifted his eyes away from her face.
From "The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly
