as in earthquake
a shaking of the earth
the quake registered 6.5 on the Richter scale, causing widespread damage
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the horror film was so scary it left us quaking with fear for hours afterwards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quake
ABC News, 12 June 2026
That quake, a magnitude 6 centered near North Palm Springs, isn’t part of the tectonic pantheon that evokes the worst of California’s seismic fears — your Northridges, Loma Prietas or Sylmars.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
The jiggly, quaking contraption is eye-catching—a natural social media star.
—Julia Sullivan, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quake
Noun
The policy further delayed recovery efforts in Puerto Rico from hurricanes Maria and Fiona, and a series of strong quakes that struck in late 2019 and early 2020.
—ABC News, 12 June 2026
That quake, a magnitude 6 centered near North Palm Springs, isn’t part of the tectonic pantheon that evokes the worst of California’s seismic fears — your Northridges, Loma Prietas or Sylmars.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
Verb
For those communities quaking in terror, simply waiting three years for a new president is not sufficient.
—Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026
The jiggly, quaking contraption is eye-catching—a natural social media star.
—Julia Sullivan, Outside, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quake
Noun
-
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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The researchers say the finding highlights how much remains unknown about the behavior of large earthquakes and the complex interactions between seismic waves and tectonic plates.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Canada’s first-ever World Cup win was overshadowed yesterday when midfielder Ismaël Koné suffered a broken leg after a tackle that left teammates shaken and coach Jesse Marsch lamenting an injury that turned a night of celebration into one of anguish.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 June 2026
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In a major rupture, strong shaking could cause severe damage near the fault and in areas built on soft or water-saturated soils, which can amplify shaking.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
Noun
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The tremor appeared to be centered near Bel Air in Harford County, an area not known for frequent seismic activity.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
15 June 2026
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His whole frame was agitated by a quick and continual tremor, which his pride strove to quell, even in those circumstances of overwhelming humiliation.—
John Swansburg,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
Verb
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The series opens as City’s record-breaking run of 26 games unbeaten comes to a shuddering halt, with a string of defeats in late 2024 leaving Guardiola visibly shaken.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 June 2026
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The American flag has never been among those Davis shudders to make.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
Verb
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Don’t twist or jerk the tick, which can cause the mouth to break off in your skin.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
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Once the squid gather near the surface, lines fitted with bait are lowered into the water and rapidly jerked up and down to imitate small prey such as shrimp, triggering strikes before the catch is reeled aboard.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Each time the leaves trembled, the sunlight filtering through them also wavered.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
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Logic, curated by decades of precedent, suggested the 22-year-old might tremble at the growl of the aggressive, experienced Wolves.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Tap the flower base with a finger, pencil, or vibrating toothbrush for 3 consecutive days to dislodge pollen.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 June 2026
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Nevertheless, Bonnie’s doting parents hope that Lilypad will help Bonnie make friends, oblivious to how the gizmo — and soon, their daughter — vibrates with anxiety.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Each time, brown leaves that had drifted from distant trees quivered and spun on the surface.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
-
Her papers quivered in her hand.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quake. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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