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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
In the weeks following the mass shooting at a rally celebrating the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win, the city’s sense of security was shaken. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2025 The wintry Atlantic roiling, frothing, glittering like a gigantic skin shaking itself, great galleon-clouds passing overhead, torn and tattered by the wind. Joyce Carol Oates, The New Yorker, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
The son couldn’t believe there wasn’t a blender for him for shakes. Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2025 Prioritizing wholesome foods for nourishment is key, with shakes serving as a support rather than a primary nutritional source. — KARINA TOLENTINO, RD, CHWC, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD Summary Protein shakes might be used as part of a weight loss strategy. Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • Workout partners on the opposite side of the heavy bag shuddered and held on for dear life as Foreman slammed into it with his gloved fists.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Oliveira’s films shudder with the mighty currents of history, whether long-ago conflicts that leave their traces in cities or ones, in Portugal or elsewhere, that leave their marks in living memory.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Soundproofing your apartment and crate-training your pup will help your dog bark less and avoid complaints from angry neighbors.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • In the censure debate on Tuesday, opposition MPs reportedly questioned the prime minister’s knowledge gaps and accused her of avoiding questions from reporters.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • American leading scorer Matt Rogers injured his right knee four minutes into the game.
    Jeff Wallner, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2025
  • This displays a page with a numeric code that changes every minute.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The quake was recorded just after 2 a.m. on Friday, March 14, and was centered about 3.1 miles south-southwest of Marshville.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025
  • While most of the action for the 2025 Oscars was taking place at the center of Hollywood, along the famous Hollywood Boulevard where the Dolby Theatre is located, the quake could still be felt across Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley.
    Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • While there are a slew of ways to pleasure yourself depending on these three factors, there are some basic tips that can be a helpful starting point, like how to finger yourself and how to jerk off.
    Quispe López, Them, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Avoid jerking the valve or forcing it to turn, as this could cause the valve to break off.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • DeAngelo evaded prosecution for years while committing a string of murders and rapes across the Golden State between 1974 and 1986, including two murders and nine kidnappings in Sacramento County alone.
    Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2025
  • However, Boasberg says the department evaded its obligations.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Empathy is the heartbeat of every meaningful relationship.
    Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat that happens when the heart's electrical signals don’t work properly.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In Bangkok, which was also hit by the quake, rescue efforts have focused on a 30-story building that collapsed following the earthquake.
    Jan Camenzind Broomby, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025
  • More than 1,000 people have died following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and nearby Thailand on Friday, March 28, according to reports.
    Escher Walcott, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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