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
Or how about the Dockside Sipper whic consists of Casamigos Reposado shaken with fresh lime, honey and grenadine. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026 The clip ends with the couple paddling away, clearly shaken but unharmed and newly aware of just how small they are compared to one of the ocean’s largest creatures. Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
But indulging in a few slices or sprinkles—rather than using a block as a substitute for a protein bar or shake—is the smarter way to go. Michele Ross, SELF, 20 Jan. 2026 Vintage staples like sundaes, floats, and shakes are still offered too. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • No one spoke until Chuky shuddered his head and this time without laughing said, Shit, that’s crazy.
    Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Williams thinks enough of himself to be himself, to keep his nails painted, to mimic crowning himself like LeBron James after big plays at USC, to graduate to his current too-cool-for-you celebratory shudder; the Iceman cometh, the Iceman runneth over.
    Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Start with the bottom branches to avoid adding more weight to lower limbs.
    Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Reconciliation, by contrast, allowed Republicans to pass fiscal and revenue-related farm provisions with a simple majority, bypassing the filibuster and avoiding a stalemate that could have stretched on for years.
    Stephen Martin, Oklahoma Watch, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • If dealing with persistent scum, create a paste using vinegar and baking soda, apply it, and leave it for 20 minutes before wiping it clean.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Minnesota’s zone defense stymied the Badgers at the end of the half, with nine straight stops including five turnovers and zero points over the final five minutes for a 35-28 lead.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Shake off the winter shivers, Boise.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Every year, homes are affected as the early shivers give way to the bitter cold of January and February.
    Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • But San Ramon is special, Minson said, and swarms of small quakes happen there roughly once a decade on average.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Aisha jerked and opened her eyes.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
  • That jerking motion, combined with detergent and water, loosens dirt from the surfaces of clothing.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Davis faces three counts of first-degree assault and a single count each of second-degree manslaughter, evading responsibility involving a death, reckless driving and failure to drive in the proper lane.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Ashton Hill, 17, was charged with discharge of a firearm in certain municipalities, evading arrest, riot participation, possession of marijuana under two ounces in a drug-free zone and possession of CS PG2 under one gram.
    Sergio Candido, CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But at the top, with clear views of a seemingly endless horizon, Egorov told Outside that the effort was worth every heartbeat.
    Outside, Outside, 31 Jan. 2026
  • For those who monitor their caffeine intake due to health conditions, are pregnant, or have sensitivity to caffeine, consuming caffeine can cause side effects such as jitters, rapid heartbeat, or sleep disruption, per Newsweek.
    Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

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