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
But the rise of the AfD party has shaken that up. Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Tyson shook his head and nodded as his aunt spoke. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026
Noun
Also on the menu is ice cream, sundaes, cookies a la mode, cookie sundaes, cookie ice cream sandwiches, shakes, and different seasonal creations throughout the year. Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 19 June 2026 Tucked away behind walls and gates at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly an acre, the two-story stucco and shake-roof structure was completed in 1960. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • A lot of people are upset by the notion of bringing cage fights to the White House, shuddering at the bad taste of it all.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026
  • Design practices Not knowing ahead of time what lunar explorers may face is an unsure, shuddering proposition.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • To avoid a deluge of applications from every theater in America, Cockrum decided to make grants by invitation.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 28 June 2026
  • Refrain from entering water that may have electricity in it and avoid walking through floodwaters.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 June 2026
Noun
  • The vehicle was first detected traveling through Washington Heights, then flagged a second time about 10 minutes later crossing the University Heights Bridge.
    Jenna DeAngelis, CBS News, 22 June 2026
  • Iran appeared to score in the 26th minute off a free kick, only for the goal to be disallowed after a video review determined scorer Mehdi Taremi was offside.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 June 2026
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
Noun
  • Several residents reported experiencing the quake in and around the Ridgecrest area according to the USGS DYFI report.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 22 June 2026
  • Now, researchers report that such a quake could be more widespread and damaging than previously thought.
    Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
  • Federal officials said Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, was arrested in the Philippines after allegedly evading authorities for nearly two years.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 June 2026
  • Disclosure Day sees Daniel (O'Connor) and Margaret (Blunt) racing to evade the sinister Wardex corporation with the ultimate goal of disclosure.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • And that place is definitely close to the heartbeat of the city.
    Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 June 2026
  • Symptoms can include fever, rash, facial paralysis, an irregular heartbeat and arthritis, according to the CDC.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shake

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster