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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake up
Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
But subtle changes begin to shake up their routines, and Dilma becomes increasingly frail.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Verb
Other than Simpson, is there a prospect outside of Dane’s top 25 who could shake up Round 1 by making a big leap up the board?
—Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026
But subtle changes begin to shake up their routines, and Dilma becomes increasingly frail.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Noun
For some teams, that involves a shake-up in the coaching staff and front office.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026
That shake-up was on display within days of starting.
—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake up
Verb
-
Fennell likes to shock, and her newest film has successfully provoked many strong reactions.—
Natasha O'Neill,
Vanity Fair,
13 Feb. 2026
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Nancy Guthrie’s abduction from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills north of Tucson, Arizona, shocked the nation.—
Michael Ruiz , Adriana James-Rodil,
FOXNews.com,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The shakeout in luxury retail that has claimed the parent company of Saks 5th Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus is about to hit shoppers.—
Emily Lorsch,
NBC news,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Private equity is going through a shakeout.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Several editors were appalled by the idea alone.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
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But just as those supporters should not be blamed for having mixed feelings, so Spurs staff would be entirely justified in feeling bemused, frustrated and appalled by any suggestion that fans do not want to get a result, just as Postecoglou was two years ago.—
Dan Kilpatrick,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The ramifications of the current partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security will be subtler, which may ultimately mean less pressure on the minority party to relent.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
17 Feb. 2026
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In 2021, as the state’s economy began recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and as billions of dollars in federal relief flooded the state, general fund revenues jumped 53% above the pre-pandemic 2019 level, topping $200 billion for the first time in history.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
All are stunned by secrets that eventually emerge.—
Chris Hewitt,
Boston Herald,
15 Feb. 2026
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Michelle Obama stunned in a strapless black leather dress while dancing with husband Barack Obama in a Valentine's Day post shared by the former president.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite parents’ pleas to the group leading the initiative, the special committee on Tuesday did not sign off on any plan to entirely avoid closing campuses.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
11 Feb. 2026
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Saks Global, in its initial round of luxury store closings in bankruptcy, said on Tuesday that eight Saks Fifth Avenue’s stores would also go dark around April.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shake up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20up. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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