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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
Their reasoning was simple and complex to shake off: who wants to bring a child into a world of droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events linked to climate change? Simi Thambi​, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 All those relationships are shaken when Artabano murders the king and frames his own son. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
Noun
The large towel is perfect for beach days or water excursions, and a quick shake easily removes sand, great for keeping rental cars clean. Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025 The lettuce is tightly compressed, and larger ingredients at the bottom don’t really move much with a simple shake. Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • This time around, the apex, at least for now, appears to have been March, as Trump’s pending April 2 Liberation Day tariffs, which were ultimately paused for 90 days after bond markets shuddered, approached.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
  • Wednesday: Eve of the Outcasts: What starts off as a fun school carnival (shudder!) falls under Wednesday’s spell to make for a twisted tour through the macabre.
    Jennifer Maas, Variety, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Giving up athletics had an impact on her body and changes were required to avoid injury.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025
  • Each week spent on development and every disaster avoided adds to the company’s financial, reputational and customer support success.
    Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • Those who wait until the last minute to get their dive gear serviced will find that dive shops are too busy to repair buoyancy compensators, more commonly known as BCs, and regulators, which deliver air to your mouth.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 5 July 2025
  • Setting up your Ring doorbell is easy, taking just minutes.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 5 July 2025
Noun
  • The six-mile deep quake hit three miles from Fairview, which is about a 30-mile drive southeast from San Francisco, at 10:55 p.m. on Monday, June 30, according to the USGS.
    Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2025
  • There has never been a quake that seriously damaged a delta levee.
    George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Centre Court looked naked without line judges, but Fognini’s presence and touch filled the void and jerked the joie de vivre out of Alcaraz’s racket.
    Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Patrick Walle’s horn solo up top sounded suspended in time, before an increasingly feral orchestra jerked us back to street level.
    Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025
Verb
  • Cochran drove in a manner that indicated to Taylor that the sheriff was trying to evade him, Welch said.
    Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2025
  • Last year, the Russians began including decoy drones with their Shahed drones to increase the likelihood of evading Ukrainian defenses.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of illnesses caused by harmful algal blooms can include stomachaches, rashes, headaches, and coughing, while more serious symptoms include liver damage, seizures, and irregular heartbeats.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
  • For now, that’s not part of his All-Star week duties, but, per usual, that week will be a busy one for the heartbeat of Cleveland’s lineup.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • There are areas of Haiti that are that still have not recovered from the earthquake.
    Billal Rahman Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 June 2025
  • Earth processes – such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions – also trigger cascading hazards, often with long-lasting effects.
    Brian J. Yanites, The Conversation, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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