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shake

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word shake different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shake are agitate, convulse, and rock. While all these words mean "to move up and down or to and fro with some violence," shake often carries a further implication of a particular purpose.

shake well before using

When could agitate be used to replace shake?

The words agitate and shake can be used in similar contexts, but agitate suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring.

an ocean agitated by storms

When can convulse be used instead of shake?

The words convulse and shake are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, convulse suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm.

spectators were convulsed with laughter

When might rock be a better fit than shake?

In some situations, the words rock and shake are roughly equivalent. However, rock suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval.

the whole city was rocked by the explosion

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 shake
Verb
Stay focused on the bigger picture, and don’t let temporary setbacks shake your vision. Stephen Nalley, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025 Decades later, his words still echo, reminding us that dreams can shake the foundations of history. Dr. Maky Zanganeh, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
Here are a few ways to enjoy whole milk: Add whole milk to smoothies and protein shakes Drink whole milk for a post-workout snack. Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Feb. 2025 Listen to this article Frozen supplemental shakes sold to hospitals and long-term care facilities in 21 states, including Florida, are making people sick and already have led to 12 deaths. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • But that steady flow of income and improvement came to a shuddering halt on October 7 as Hamas militants poured across the Gaza border and began their murder and kidnap spree across southern Israel.
    Kocha Olarn, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025
  • Mount Spurr, an Alaskan volcano shuddering with small earthquakes for 10 months, could erupt soon.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Unfortunately, Hartford continues to avoid the heavy lifting that is required to have a successful system.
    Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
  • To avoid any surprises, check the Maryland Park Service website for real-time updates.
    Trudy Haywood Saunders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Howard also appeared and started in 57 playoff games, averaging 19.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.7 blocks in 39.4 minutes.
    Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025
  • At most, the process will take five minutes — a quarter of the time needed for a lethal injection.
    CBS News, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries from the quake, which struck at a depth of nearly 10 miles, USGS said.
    Alex Stambaugh and Karina Tsui, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The Aromas quake struck at 7:55 a.m. and had a magnitude of 2.5.
    Bay City News Service, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The Tesla doesn’t have that collaborative aspect and will shut off if the driver jerks the wheel.
    Robert Ferris, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
  • There are numerous moments where she is lost in a dream or a memory before suddenly jerking awake, often too clearly delineating the boundaries in a film ostensibly about its main character’s delusions.
    Ryan Swen, Variety, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Colt escapes by initially driving a speedboat while facing away from the controls, evades his pursuers by zigging and zagging through the river, and then purposefully drives his boat into a floating pontoon, faking his own death via the gigantic explosion.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Now, however, DHS states that the previous rules hindered law enforcement efforts by creating sites where people without legal status could evade capture.
    Jackie Fortiér, NPR, 25 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One look at the churning lifts of Aspen Mountain or the intrepid hikers scaling the Maroon Bells confirms that the heartbeat of the old ski town still thumps beneath the glitz.
    Spencer Elliott, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • In other cases, medications prescribed after surgery may generate high levels of potassium in the blood, causing irregular heartbeats, said Dr. Elliot Tapper, an associate professor of hepatology at the University of Michigan.
    Aria Bendix, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Six years of negative economic growth fueled by the succession of crises, mismanagement of the economy and disasters that have left the country even more broken than the powerful 2010 earthquake are all to blame.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
  • For example, Armenia's early years of independence were marked by tragedies like the Gyumri earthquake and the Artsakh conflict, which fostered dependence on outside economic aid.
    Bree Carriglio, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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