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
Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Ellison bought the anti-woke, pro-Israel Free Press and installed its founder atop CBS News with a mandate to shake up the network.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Verb
During his pontificate, Francis had shaken up the College of Cardinals – the body that would appoint his successor.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026
Ellison bought the anti-woke, pro-Israel Free Press and installed its founder atop CBS News with a mandate to shake up the network.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
For some teams, that involves a shake-up in the coaching staff and front office.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
Verb
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And then, in a move that shocked many, Moreno came out to present … best picture.—
Scott Feinberg,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
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Sudden fluctuations in temperature, drafts, and exposure to heat sources can shock the plant and cause the leaves to drop.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That said, even for the firms that survive this shakeout, making money has become tougher, according to Bain.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2026
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Either way, the potential for a shakeout is prompting some to short the market, the Wall Street Journal’s Gregory Zuckerman wrote this week.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As a relative newcomer to San Diego, I am appalled by the condition of the main roads in this city.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
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Undeterred by danger and appalled by hospital conditions, Annie organized the Keokuk Ladies’ Soldiers’ Aid Society (KLAS), serving as its corresponding secretary.—
Hanna Howard,
Des Moines Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lastly, guests will also notice that the in-room HVAC system is integrated with all balcony doors, resulting in the automatic shutdown of the system when the door is left open.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 Mar. 2026
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The virtual shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz is unnerving the world economy, driving up energy and fertilizer prices, threatening food shortages in poor countries, destabilizing fragile states and complicating efforts by central banks to drive down prices for consumers.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Ferreria, who broke out as Kat Hernandez on the HBO teen drama, stunned in a floor-length royal blue gown.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
16 Mar. 2026
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Marcus Smart leaned toward the microphone atop the podium as his press conference concluded — asking a question of the media after the Lakers stunned the Denver Nuggets 127-125 in overtime to win their fifth consecutive game Saturday night.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There’s water everywhere, approach angles that punish the wrong side of the fairway, and a closing stretch with a long history of turning good rounds into cautionary tales.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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In Monday’s closing arguments, Ye’s attorney, Andrew Cherlaskey, refuted reportage that his client had fallen asleep during his testimony.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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