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shake

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of shake

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to make a series of small irregular or violent movements

the bus rattled and shook as it barreled down a rutted road

Synonyms for shake

agitate,
bucket,
convulse,
jerk,
jiggle,
joggle,
jolt,
jounce,
judder
[chiefly British],
quake,
quiver,
shudder,
vibrate,
wobble
(also wabble)

Words Related to shake

twitch

dodder,
waver

2 to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery

we shook our pursuers by cutting through the abandoned lot

Synonyms for shake

Words Related to shake

miss

Phrases Synonymous with shake

Near Antonyms for shake

shake

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of shake (Entry 2 of 2)

1 a very small space of time

I'll be there in two shakes

Synonyms for shake

Words Related to shake

microsecond

snatch,
spurt

Near Antonyms for shake

infinity,
lifetime

2 shakes plural a sense of panic or extreme nervousness

I get the shakes every time I hear her voice

Synonyms for shake

Words Related to shake

Near Antonyms for shake

3 a shaking of the earth

the shake was a modest 3.1 on the Richter scale

Synonyms for shake

Words Related to shake

Frequently Asked Questions About shake

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

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