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Dictionary.com

change gears

VERB
shift
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alter change deviate drift move relocate remove ship shuffle transfer turn vary veer
STRONG
about-face budge cook dislocate displace disturb exchange fault flip-flop rearrange replace reposition stir substitute swerve tack transmogrify transpose vacillate waffle yo-yo
WEAK
blow hot and cold bottom out dial back do up hem and haw move around move over recalibrate swap places switch over turn around turn the corner turn the tables
Antonyms
STRONGEST
continue fix hold keep remain stay
STRONG
calm leave alone order
WEAK
deactivate stagnate

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.

While the pick of Mr Walz and the upcoming Democratic National Convention will be certain to maintain Ms Harris’s media dominance, experts agree that the campaign will have to change gears soon.

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2024

Recent price data suggest an easing of inflationary pressures and that could leave the central bank less likely to change gears and raise interest rates out of concern that the economy may slow further.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 12, 2023

In the next, the 66-year-old manager of the Dodgers’ single-A Rancho Cucamonga affiliate will change gears, referencing the late Tommy Lasorda to blend old-school wisdom with the new-age philosophies.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2023

Autumn is like an actor, someone who can handle people, walk into a room and navigate their way through a situation, knowing how to change gears and which tools to apply.

From New York Times • Apr. 15, 2022

I didn’t know how they could change gears like this.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi