Define It, Find Its Twin, Meet Its Opposite: 3 Ways to Revisit Your One Word
{One Word 2026 March Linkup}
This month try getting more curious about your One Word of the Year.
Revisit your one word by taking a few minutes with a dictionary and a thesaurus (paper or digital) to get a closer look at your word—and gain some fresh insights about it.
Step 1: Define Your Word
Start by looking up your word in a dictionary.
You might already think you know what it means—but pause and read through all the definitions anyway.
- Are there multiple meanings?
- Does one stand out more than the others for this season?
- Is there a definition you hadn’t considered before?
Sometimes a fresh definition can shift how you see it for the rest of the year.
For my word Shift, I found many meanings:
-
- Move from one place to another
- Change gear in a vehicle
- A slight change in position or direction
- Scheduled work period
- A type of loose-fitting dress
- A key on a keyboard
- Irish slang, to kiss or make out
The definition I’m using the most this year is the third: shift = a slight change in position or direction.
I was most surprised to learn of the last one: shift = to kiss or make out.
Step 2: Find What Your Word Is the “Same As”
Next, look up synonyms—words that are similar in meaning.
As you read through them, ask yourself:
- Which of these feels closest to what I need right now?
- If I had to choose a “backup word,” what would it be?
This isn’t about replacing your word—it’s about expanding it.
A few synonyms for Shift are:
-
- Change
- Move
- Fluctuate
- Turn
- Strategy
- Impermanence
If I had to choose a backup word, it would be Impermanence because I know that everything is always changing.
Step 3: Explore Your Word’s Opposite
Now, look up antonyms—words that mean the opposite.
This step may surprise you.
- What feels like the clearest opposite of your word?
- Where do you notice that showing up in your life?
Understanding what your word isn’t can often bring clarity to what it is.
Some antonyms for Shift are:
-
- Sameness
- Stagnation
- Directness
- Permanent
- Remain
The surprising opposite for me is: Directness. I haven’t thought of Shift as being indirect. I’m looking in my life to see if I’m being too direct or inflexible about something instead of being willing to bend and shift where needed.
Share What You Discover
We’d love to hear what you notice about your word.
Our March One Word linkup opens today, March 26, and will stay open for two weeks.
You can share in whatever way feels easiest:
- a quick comment
- a short reflection
- a full blog post
There’s no right or wrong way to do this.
We’ll link up again next month on Sunday, April 26 (linkups are always on the 26th for 2026).
What is your word showing you right now?
Question for you:
Is there a definition, synonym, or antonym of your word that surprised you?
Share your thoughts about your One Word or monthly theme in the comments.
If you’d like to receive our monthly One Word emails and ideas for 2026, join here.
I learn so much by watching how you process the shifts in your day-to-day life.
Explore definition: search, inquire, investigate, test/experiment, examine, travel. Synonyms: investigate, examine, survey, tour. Antonyms: avoid, ignore, neglect, disregard, overlook, stay put/remain stationary. Yes to all the definitions! Interesting expansion with the synonyms. And the surprise was the antonym, neglect, as I never would have thought of that word as the opposite of explore. Thanks for the interesting exploration, Lisa, and for how it leads us to shift our thoughts.
Opposite of TRUST. Doubt. disbelief, distrust. Those are three words that I do not want to associate with my God. I was apprehensive when God gave me this word. Almost three months in, He has not disappointed. However, if He blesses me to see my way through my 60th year on this earth, I will come through all the trials and tests like gold. In Jesus’ name…
This word nerd really enjoyed this exercise, and can’t wait to sit with what I discovered and to record the findings in my journal. Thanks for the great idea.
Lisa, I really liked exploring ‘more’ about my word for this year…RESTORE.
There truly are more meanings to embrace.
And a little aside regarding my word – I needed help as my Wi-fi connection was down…multiple sources sought out to help me failed. Nothing was working until I reached out to the tech person here in our community. Gosh he knew so much and worked so diligently and all is now restored!
Great suggestions Lisa! I’ll have to go & do some research & reflection.
It’s been surprising just how many times either Sanctuary or thanks- living crops up each week!
I too was surprised with the Irish meaning for Shift!
blessings, Jennifer
Hi Lisa, I used these prompts in my latest post on my word of the year and it was a good way of checking in on why I chose my word and how it’s going. Thanks for the ideas!
I’ve chosen a positive spin on my word ‘silliness’ rather than the stock standard definition!
Thanks again.
Debbie
Lisa, I loved the idea of looking up antonyms. It made me look at my word differently. Thanks for hosting this exercise!