shake out 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake outnext
as in to prove
to come to be after hearing about all the elaborate planning, I can't wait to see how that wedding shakes out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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shakeout

2 of 2

noun

as in shake-up

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 out
Verb
There are certainly going to be times in games (when) that will happen, depending on how things shake out a little bit. — Michael Russo, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The two men are similar, Jordan almost a mirror image of who Eddy could’ve become had things shook out differently. — Tembe Denton-Hurst, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
The industry has weathered a brutal shakeout, with major operators merging, downsizing or shutting down entirely. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 Tung predicts a multi-year shakeout that will ripple through the LP base, the venture market and even the buyout market, and all at once. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake out
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake out
  1. prove
  2. shake-up
  3. fall out
  4. shutdown
  5. closing
  6. downsizing
Verb
  • Conclave proved an audience hit as well as an award darling, generating over $125 million at the global box office on a $20 million budget.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In one of the few wins for the defense, jurors found the state didn’t prove that Facebook made false claims about removing harmful content, including misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic.
    — Mikella Schuettler, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of prove
Noun
  • Hours after Apple unveiled the biggest shake-up to its iPhone release cadence in seven years — including its first foldable phone — Samsung rolled out a campaign aimed squarely at iPhone loyalists.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The development provokes a leadership shake-up on both committees, prompting speculation on who will fill the spots when the next Congress opens in January.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of shake-up
Verb
  • Court dances fell out of fashion as monarchs fell from power.
    — Sophie Landres, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Maryna Lystopad, 35, said her hair has started falling out due to the stress from escalating attacks and never knowing where the next attack will hit.
    — Susie Blann, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of fall out
Noun
  • Meanwhile, at least two diamond mines have announced permanent shutdowns in 2026.
    — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Revenue suffered during the shutdown, burying the company in a hole of debt with little chance of climbing out.
    — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of shutdown
Noun
  • The senior receiver made a game-winning, one-handed catch on fourth-and-goal for the Eagles in the closing seconds — and much to the delight of senior quarterback Sean Ruisz.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Her closing look was a chiffon and Chantilly lace gown featuring crystal mesh details, worn with a pair of the brand’s DG Devotion sunglasses.
    — Patty Huntington, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of closing
Noun
  • But with the move in 1973 to an all-volunteer force and the subsequent downsizing of the armed services, less than 1% of the population now actively serves.
    — Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 25 Sep. 2026
  • On the brick-and-mortar front, Talbots closed dozens of stores over the last few years but the downsizing has stopped.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of downsizing

Browse Nearby Words

shake (off)
shake out
shakeout
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shake out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20out. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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