as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in bunk
Related Words
2
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of shake down
Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
The message Tokyo is taking away from this is to slow-walk disbursements hoping the U.S. Supreme Court rules Trump lacks the authority to shake down trading partners via tariffs.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
This summer's shakedown cruise will be a low-altitude demonstration of Taiga's capabilities.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
Later, Tom pours vodka into a Phillies cup and watches birds flutter by at night while Robbie gets his guns ready and shakes down a trap house.
—Grace Byron, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
The message Tokyo is taking away from this is to slow-walk disbursements hoping the U.S. Supreme Court rules Trump lacks the authority to shake down trading partners via tariffs.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
Also going to the library: the proceeds of settlements that Trump has wrung out of media and tech companies following lawsuits that many critics have characterized as blatant shakedowns.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2025
This summer's shakedown cruise will be a low-altitude demonstration of Taiga's capabilities.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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The only reason that Bikini Frankenstein does not rank higher on this list is because putting a softcore porno at the top would feel like cheating.—
Katie Rife,
Vulture,
9 Nov. 2025
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But like his predecessor, this Frankenstein is just as obsessed with immortality and cheating death through science.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The bunks are just that—bunks, not beds, with mattresses that let the road through.—
Alex Abramovich,
New Yorker,
26 Dec. 2025
-
Your lodging options include suites with kitchenettes, traditional rooms with mini-fridges and private baths, and a bunk room that sleeps up to 10.—
Alex Schechter,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The Missouri Tigers will face their first power conference test Wednesday.—
Scott Chasen,
Kansas City Star,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people, including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.—
Kelly McGreal , Khloe Quill,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Sirius Dog Sled Patrol, an elite Danish naval unit that conducts long-range reconnaissance and enforces Danish sovereignty in the Arctic wilderness, is also stationed in Greenland.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
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The group allegedly steals employee lists and job titles by compromising HR software platforms and conducting extensive reconnaissance on LinkedIn, said Nixon.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
1 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Panthers squeezed a few end-of-career seasons out of guys such as Dino Ciccarelli and Igor Larionov.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Instead, 2026 is about building both stylish and sensible outfits that can take you from the airport to the streets with maximum versatility without ever squeezing into tight, form-fitting fabric.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
This $15 option from Basic Concepts attaches to your tray table, creating a swinging hammock that provides relief for tired, swollen feet.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The true pleasure before or after a treatment, however, comes in stepping out onto the spa’s serene beach and lounging in a chair or hammock under a palm or putting on a mask and fins for a snorkel in the Lagoonarium.—
Terry Ward,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
During rehearsal, Armstrong seemed free of any cellophane wrapping.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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Variety caught up with Thayil last weekend during a break from rehearsals for the show.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Electric vehicles have accelerated the search for more efficient and affordable ways to power next-generation transport.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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During the search for Kenney, Charleston police deployed multiple resources, including K9 units, an underwater recovery team, the police’s unmanned aerial system team and harbor patrol.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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