: an act or instance of shaking up
specifically
: an extensive and often drastic reorganization
shook up; shaken up; shaking up; shakes up
2
: to jar by or as if by a physical shock
the collision shook up both drivers
3
: to effect an extensive and often drastic reorganization of
Examples of shake-up in a Sentence
Verb
the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up
Recent Examples on the Web
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Moreover, The Telegraph reported last week that Maines recently oversaw yet another Sussex staff shake-up.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025
Mike Shildt shook up the top of his lineup for the second time in four days.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake-up
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.
Noun
The scandal, which sparked widespread anger in the country, brings fresh uncertainty to a country roiled by years of political turbulence and leadership shake-ups.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Moreover, The Telegraph reported last week that Maines recently oversaw yet another Sussex staff shake-up.
—Martha Ross, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
Verb
This opposition could shake up your financial situation or a relationship investment, Cancer.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025
Mike Shildt shook up the top of his lineup for the second time in four days.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake-up
Cite this Entry
“Shake-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shake-up. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share