as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for
the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake up
Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
Other contenders such as the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC had significant offseason changes, but Orlando is trusting the developmental process by allowing its players to improve instead of shaking up things.
—Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
There was a little something for everyone: entertaining racing on-track, different winners for the sprint and Grand Prix, some driver and team intrigue, rumors of a potential technical shake-up happening soon, and a bit of an argument that exposes the entertainment side of the sport.
—Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Verb
Now that’s someone who’ll shake up Alan Cumming’s tyrannical rule.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2025
Other contenders such as the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC had significant offseason changes, but Orlando is trusting the developmental process by allowing its players to improve instead of shaking up things.
—Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Hawkeye’s Jack Duquesne (Tony Dalton), who criticizes Fisk’s vigilante obsession and status quo shake-ups, reminds him that the wealthy socialites shouldn’t be underestimated.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
There was a little something for everyone: entertaining racing on-track, different winners for the sprint and Grand Prix, some driver and team intrigue, rumors of a potential technical shake-up happening soon, and a bit of an argument that exposes the entertainment side of the sport.
—Ars Technica, 24 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
Verb
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Read: Where science and miracles meet Pagels isn’t trying to shock the faithful.—
Judith Shulevitz,
The Atlantic,
1 Apr. 2025
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This old scout was shocked, as the following email was sent by MLB Monday afternoon, March 31.—
Bernie Pleskoff,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In reality, the shakeout led to hundreds of companies falling by the wayside, but the strongest companies—Google and Amazon among them—really thrived.—
Steve Case,
Time,
1 Apr. 2025
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With so much uncertainty looming over the EV charging industry — plus the shakeout that typically occurs among nascent tech industries — there’s bound to be consolidation this year.—
Bob Woods,
CNBC,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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That led to a developer revolt, a subreddit blackout, and the shutdown of some popular Reddit clients.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2025
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Tesla’s first modest drop in quarterly sales only occurred in 2020 during the pandemic when shutdowns hit production and deliveries.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Dismay or appall you, sure, but never surprise you.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
31 Dec. 2024
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That kind of appalls me to think that people need not expect that of themselves.—
David Marchese Photograph by Mamadi Doumbouya,
New York Times,
15 Feb. 2024
Noun
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He’s finished top-20 in all five starts this year including T10 at The Players Championship and 2nd at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after holding the 54-hole lead and leading into the closing holes.—
Jay Ginsbach,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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One of the documentary's closing scenes shows Anitta hosting an extravagant 60th birthday party for her dad, who never had one thrown for him.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Related article Filipina teenager Alexandra Eala stuns five-time grand slam champion Iga Świątek to reach Miami Open semifinals Despite losing, Eala wore a beaming smile on her face before walking off the court, with the crowd applauding her for a memorable run.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2025
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Rogen was also stunned when a Hollywood heavyweight director agreed to appear.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
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