shaft

noun

ˈshaft How to pronounce shaft (audio)
Definition of shaftnext
1
as in beam
a narrow sharply defined line of light radiating from an object shafts of late-afternoon sunlight pierced the blinds and streaked the floor

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2
as in spear
a weapon with a long straight handle and sharp head or blade the footmen set their shafts so as to form a bank of steel against the enemy's charging cavalry

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in injustice
unfair or inadequate treatment of someone or something or an instance of this the homeowners who were bought out are convinced they got the shaft in that deal

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 shaft At the heart of the patent is a transmission system that uses multiple shafts and clutches to separate the roles of the engine, generator-motor, and wheels. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 June 2026 Kendra Scott released the Sarah Short Boot, a fresh take on an existing style that has a taller heel and shorter shaft for those looking for a more glam style that can be worn under jeans, with skirts and beyond. — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 16 June 2026 Loss of control can occur when the signal between the vehicle's transmission output shaft speed sensor and the powertrain control module is lost, causing the vehicle to shift gears unexpectedly. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 17 June 2026 Having seen the shift from hickory to metal shafts, Flynn was also ahead of his time in his ability to foresee a distance problem in golf, an issue the professional game plans to address with a ball rollback in 2028. — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shaft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shaft
  1. beam
  2. spear
  3. injustice
  4. ray
  5. javelin
  6. wrong
  7. lance
  8. injury
Noun
  • Also present in the wood panelling inside the wall is a hand sticking out of a beam.
    — Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 July 2026
  • In the evening, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show will draw thousands of eyes upward as 85,000 shells are launched from six barges and a laser show beams up from the Brooklyn Bridge.
    — Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 2 July 2026
Definition of beam
Noun
  • The unrest began in mid-March but has intensified, leaving at least three dead as vigilantes armed with spears, clubs, and whips assaulted migrants and destroyed their homes.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 28 June 2026
  • Activities found every weekend at the Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire include axe or spear throwing, archery, dagger tossing, a Fight the Knight Challenge and a scavenger hunt.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026
Definition of spear
Noun
  • The Hanna’s Town Resolves, a document signed along Forbes Road in 1775 by citizens of Westmoreland County, protested the injustices of the British Parliament.
    — Salena Zito, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
  • Wherever Kelly Davis looked injustice in the eye, or inequity or the misuse of authority, outrage surely followed.
    — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026
Definition of injustice
Noun
  • Think of it as skincare in disguise, locking in at least 12 hours of moisture while shielding you from harmful UV rays.
    — Tanya Sharma, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • And because the Southern Hemisphere gets closer to the sun, those UV rays feel hotter and harsher than ever.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of ray
Noun
  • Nebraska's Dyson Wicker won the pole vault at an NCAA-leading 19-2 1/4, and Texas A&M senior Zaza Nnamdi took javelin at 269-10.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 June 2026
  • In the girls field events, South Hadley’s Natalie Rios threw her personal best and achieved third best javelin throw in the state at 125-04.
    — Hannah Hughes, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026
Definition of javelin
Noun
  • Brown, though, is in the prime of his career and no doubt eager to prove the Celtics wrong for trading him after a decade in Boston.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Everything that can go wrong goes worse.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 26 June 2026
Definition of wrong
Noun
  • Bottom cleaners use lances to scrape biofoul off hulls.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Um dos lances mais bonitos da nossa história.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of lance
Noun
  • In 2023, more than a decade after a experiencing season-ending racing injuries, Muniz decided to pursue his dream of NASCAR racing full-throttle and announced his return to stock car racing in the ARCA Menards Series.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Pulisic looked rusty while getting his first start since the group stage opener when he was subbed out at halftime with a calf injury.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of injury

Browse Nearby Words

shady
shaft
shafts
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Cite this Entry

“Shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shaft. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shaft

Nglish: Translation of shaft for Spanish Speakers

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