shake 1 of 2

verb

ˈshāk How to pronounce shake (audio)
Definition of shakenext
1
as in to shudder
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements the bus rattled and shook as it barreled down a rutted road

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to avoid
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery we shook our pursuers by cutting through the abandoned lot

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shake

2 of 2

noun

1
as in minute
a very small space of time I'll be there in two shakes

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shivers
shakes plural a sense of panic or extreme nervousness I get the shakes every time I hear her voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in quake
a shaking of the earth the shake was a modest 3.1 on the Richter scale

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 grandson was shaken but doing OK, according to the photographer. — Suzanne Yeo, ABC News, 13 July 2026 Angel City attacker Jun Endo went down with a non-contact injury in the 33rd minute and was assisted off the pitch visibly shaken. — Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
Noun
In the lobby, there are grab-and-go health bowls in refrigerated vending machines, and the Refuel Bar has an impressive smoothie and shake menu. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 June 2026 Thankfully, there are plenty of egg-free high-protein breakfast ideas, such as Greek yogurt bowls, protein shakes and smoothies, tofu scramble, or dishes containing skyr or cottage cheese. — Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
  1. shudder
  2. avoid
  3. minute
  4. shivers
  5. quake
  6. jerk
  7. evade
  8. heartbeat
Verb
  • These seemingly innocuous incidents attain new significance as they’re revisited alongside a slow crescendo that suddenly turns to shuddering piano chords on the track’s bridge.
    — Nick Ayres DeMasi, Pitchfork, 1 July 2026
  • Choose Baits with Vibration Lipless crankbaits earn their keep each spring, as their shuddering motion creates the bait-mimicking tremors to which bass respond.
    — David A. Brown, Outdoor Life, 1 July 2026
Definition of shudder
Verb
  • Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms beat six opponents in the May Democratic primary for governor, winning 56% of the vote and avoiding a runoff.
    — Sophia Eppley, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • The House Energy and Commerce Committee is soon marking up healthcare price transparency legislation that could empower patients and employers with the upfront prices needed to avoid overcharges and choose affordable care.
    — Vivian Ho, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
Definition of avoid
Noun
  • But those plans were derailed on Thursday when Egyptian authorities blocked the ship, the Scarlet Lady, from entering its waters at the last minute, according to Atlantis Events, days after the vessel was refused entry to Turkey.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Veteran forward Emma Cannon played 12 minutes and scored nine points as a key post presence late when Cardoso was in foul trouble.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of minute
Noun
  • This is sending shivers down the spines of regular Democrats, who now sheepishly admit the party has been turned over to the left-wing loons.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • The warning that exuberant investors might not be quite rational sent temporary shivers through global stock markets.
    — Scott Horsley, NPR, 22 June 2026
Definition of shivers
Noun
  • Those who noticed the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
  • The two faults also have the potential to interact with each other — as a major quake on the Garlock fault could destabilize the San Andreas.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of quake
Verb
  • Watching their relationship devolve (never more so than when their sperm donor, a rakish, motorcycle-driving restaurant owner played by Mark Ruffalo, enters the scene) is most definitely a tear-jerking experience, as is the film’s final scene.
    — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026
  • Some were petty — like Reese committing a foul against Clark, then jerking her head back, impersonating Clark as a flopper.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Prosecutors alleged the companies disguised Chinese aluminum extrusions as pallets to evade antidumping and countervailing duties.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 14 July 2026
  • He was detained on August 8, 2025, and charged with DUI, evading arrest with a vehicle, and fleeing from police, according to ICE.
    — Rocío Muñoz-Ledo, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of evade
Noun
  • It can be treated effectively with antibiotics, particularly when caught early, but can cause longer-term problems including arthritis, severe headaches and irregular heartbeat if not.
    — Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
  • Fery, a virtually unknown British wild card with a triple-digit ranking, has become the emotional heartbeat of Wimbledon while legitimately diverting some national attention from England’s World Cup quest.
    — Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of heartbeat

Phrases Containing shake

Browse Nearby Words

shakable
shake
shake a leg
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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shake

Nglish: Translation of shake for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shake

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