shake 1 of 2

Definition of shakenext

shake

2 of 2

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
The brutal slaying has shaken the community as Kayla's family reels from their loss. Samira Asma-Sadeque, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 Meanwhile, Vegas shook off a campaign in which momentum was tough to come by, barreling hard into a postseason that will now pit them against the Colorado Avalanche in the Western Conference finals. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 May 2026
Noun
After her field duties, Omaha always hosts a meet and greet with her fans, who get a shake and an Omaha baseball card. Rina Nakano, CBS News, 9 May 2026 Users can easily incorporate these powders into recipes beyond the standard shake, such as oatmeal or your daily cereal. K.h. Koehler, USA Today, 8 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • Nothing much really happens in this movie after Philip’s initial arrest, but the world viscerally shudders under Lucy’s feet every time one of her husband’s alibis falls apart.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 May 2026
  • That brewery is taking over Headflyer's space after closing its own Nordeast taproom in 2023, then shuddering entirely last year before rising from the ashes months later.
    Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • The problem is, when your side lack intensity, aggression and cohesion, those traps are easy to spot and avoid.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • October 23 – November 21 The real conversation is probably the one everyone has been avoiding.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026
Noun
  • In 17 minutes of action off the bench, Johnson failed to register a single point, dropping a giant goose egg on the stat sheet.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • David Martinez scored a goal for the second consecutive game in the 22nd minute and Denis Bouanga added a goal in the 68th for LAFC.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • For anyone with even a mild rodent aversion, that can trigger shivers of disgust.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 8 May 2026
  • Miller wrote the play long before the rise of artificial intelligence sent shivers through the American workforce.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • At least 13 buildings collapsed, while landslides triggered by the quake blocked roads to the area, according to CCTV.
    ABC News, ABC News, 18 May 2026
  • Those who experienced the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of seizures can include short-term confusion, staring spells, stiff muscles and jerking movements of the arms and legs.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
  • Avoid jerking the floss or aggressive movements; instead, use smooth, gentle motions.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Deception is used to evade responsibility, manipulate a partner or conceal betrayal.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • My muscles on fire with tension, sleep evaded me.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • To live with, and in, All of a Sudden is to match heartbeats with these two women for a few hours.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2026
  • On set, the actress bonded with her costars, including grabbing a glass of wine with Palmer, 32, and listening to then-pregnant Paige's baby's heartbeat.
    Rebecca Aizin, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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