shake up 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake upnext
as in to shock
to cause an unpleasant surprise for the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

shake-up

2 of 2

noun

as in shakeout

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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 up
Verb
Offer sheets and the threat of them have shaken up this offseason. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 6 July 2026 The Industrial Revolution had shaken up the economy, and there was a feeling from people in the country of suspicious of people in the city. — NBC news, 5 July 2026
Noun
Your usual preferences could use a little shake-up, so book the class, plan the trip and consider the option that feels less predictable. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026 Trump has made no secret of his desire for a shake-up of Warner Bros. — Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
  1. shock
  2. shakeout
  3. appall
  4. shutdown
  5. stun
  6. closing
Verb
  • Englert and McLeod are agonizingly shocked when Anastasia and Sasha, on separate ships, hear each others’ voices for the first time in months, and realize the depths of their longing.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026
  • Several of the companies were shocked by the number of requirements levied in the NASA documents.
    — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
Definition of shock
Noun
  • Citadel’s tactical trading fund also weathered a late-June shakeout in quantitative investing.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 2 July 2026
  • The fintechs that came through the shakeout in good shape had already built compliance like a product, instead of bolting it on later.
    — Agustín Guerra, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of shakeout
Verb
  • He was appalled by the slaughter, but, more than that, by the complacency of his neighbors, their willingness to ignore the bloody work being done under their noses.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
  • Many subjects were appalled by his treatment of his closest family.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 9 July 2026
Definition of appall
Noun
  • The Russia sanctions measure is also competing for floor time with a must-pass defense policy bill and government spending bills that would prevent a shutdown.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 13 July 2026
  • The government’s monthslong internet shutdown also strangled parts of the economy – especially those with foreign clients – that relied on the world wide web.
    — Frederik Pleitgen, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Definition of shutdown
Verb
  • Outsiders were stunned by this American phenomenon, which was at times both refreshing, and kinda sad.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
  • Current and former Homeland Security officials and federal law enforcement officers were stunned Monday evening by the department’s explanation of what unfolded in Maine, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 13 July 2026
Definition of stun
Noun
  • In a note on Tuesday, analysts reaffirmed their year-end price target of 7,100 for the broad market index, representing a 5% drop from the week’s closing level.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • With the peloton boasting fresh legs, expect major fireworks in the closing kilometres.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of closing

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shakes up
shake up
shake-up
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Cite this Entry

“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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