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
If members’ faith in the organization or its leadership is shaken by this episode, the union’s ability to leverage collective action would be compromised. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 Feb. 2026 Margaritas can be shaken, frozen or served straight up. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
There's also plenty of custom woodwork in here, with cabinets finished with cedar shakes to echo the exterior, plus shelving and breakfast-bar-style seating for two. New Atlas, 16 Feb. 2026 Comparatively, a medium vanilla shake from McDonald's has 570 calories, and a medium chocolate shake has 650 calories. Melina Khan, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake
Verb
  • That all came to a shuddering halt after Khashoggi’s death.
    Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Sat shuddering in my seat as the lights drew down.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Division 2 After two one-goal victories to reach the finals, Coronado freshman Audrey Roberts and her teammates used a late surge to avoid another close call.
    Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
  • That’s because more of these people are often snowshoe hikers who normally avoid steep terrain.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 22 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Less than 20 minutes later, the flames had spread to the nearby wilderness and more units were called in to respond to the growing brush fire on the north side of the highway, county officials said.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2026
  • The concierge team can assist guests in arranging appointments at Cure Spa (five-minute drive away), as well as personal training sessions, daily gym passes, or group workout classes at Advantage Personal Training (an eight-minute drive away).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Algebra in between scenes… sends shivers down my spine!
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Their accounts gave me shivers of recognition—their experiences echoed my father’s stories.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Those who felt the quake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Feb. 2026
  • There were frost quakes with shaking and booming reported from Tennessee to Pennsylvania.
    Tammie Souza, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Seconds later, Exum, who was driving with his Glock pistol in his right hand, appeared to jerk the steering wheel to the left, in the direction of Martínez’s vehicle alongside them.
    Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The room sighs in relief a second later when Buckley reanimates, jerking and flailing like a soul possessed, grinning maniacally — all on purpose, inspired by the earlier veil snafu.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta’s perfume holder makes sure your travel-sized scent never ever rolls around at the bottom of your bag, evading your grip hand again.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Kids use a variety of methods to evade age rules by giving fraudulent information.
    Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • For the better part of the last decade, MV Agusta’s heartbeat has been three cylinders wide.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2026
  • The heartbeat slowed, proving that the heart rate is chemically governed.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shake

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