Find Antonyms

shoulder Antonyms

Opposite of shoulder

Because the opposite of shoulder shifts with each meaning, the 9 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
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• verb (Context 1)

To take on or assume a heavy burden, responsibility, blame, or expense.

Usage Example

"The municipal government agreed to shirk the cost of repairing the damaged bridge."

Strongest
shirk
Strong
evade
shed
dodge
pass the buck

• verb (Context 2)

To lift and carry a heavy object upon one's shoulder.

Usage Example

"The hiker shouldered her heavy backpack and set off along the forest trail."

Strongest
set down
put down
Strong
drop
unload

Similar words to shoulder

Words similar to shoulder shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:

take on
bear
hard shoulder
assume
jostle
accept
elbow
verge
See all synonyms of shoulder

• Nearby Words

shot
shotgun
should
shoulder
shout
shouter
shoutout

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Shoulder. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/shoulder
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