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
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1
as in bunk
Related Words
2
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shake down
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Cipriani followed this script in his effort to shake down Jeff Shell.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2026
Principally, Artemis 2 was a test flight of Orion's life support systems and a shakedown cruise to verify that the craft can sustain a crew during a mission to lunar space.
—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Verb
The city hired a second firm to represent Watts, as the city was legally responsible for covering legal judgments against him despite his federal prison sentence for shaking down a drug courier.
—
Joe Mahr,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Cipriani followed this script in his effort to shake down Jeff Shell.
—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
Inspired by mishaps on an Alaskan adventure of their own, and the sliding top-over-bottom action of hat and match boxes, the Halls started building their prototype in 1953 and took it for an official Alaskan shakedown in 1957.
—
New Atlas,
21 Apr. 2026
Principally, Artemis 2 was a test flight of Orion's life support systems and a shakedown cruise to verify that the craft can sustain a crew during a mission to lunar space.
—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shake down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down
Verb
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The fans were cheated Sunday out of a chance to see an interesting pitching matchup between Shota Imanaga and Dylan Cease, the former Cubs farmhand and former White Sox pitcher.
-
For example, a spouse who catches their partner cheating and kills someone in the heat of emotion.
Noun
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The kitchen is sleek and fully equipped for feeding a crowd, and the sleeping arrangements strike that rare balance between elevated and practical—proper suites for the adults and a bunk room that kids will immediately claim.
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This meant that men and women couldn't share beds, and the girls would have to bunk with one another.
Noun
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In another instance, investigators identified a gray button on a test-taker's shirt as a concealed camera.
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What the gut microbiome test results showed The companies gave very different answers about which microbes were present, even though every sample was identical.
Noun
-
The interpreter and the scout reconnaissance leader were fast friends.
-
Ukrainian drones now provide persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance while simultaneously delivering precision strike capabilities against Russian personnel and equipment.
Verb
-
Blend roasted red peppers with V8, and add Worcestershire sauce and freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice for a fresh alternative to bottled bloody mary mix.
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With electric vehicles continuing to gain share, that further squeezes European carmakers.
Noun
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Visitors can experience Botany Bay’s gorgeous natural ecosystems that include maritime forests, salt marsh, tidal creeks, freshwater ponds, and hammock islands.
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Guests get bathhouses, mineral water pools and cliffside hammocks with sweeping views.
Noun
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According to a June 16 release posted by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, there are no flights scheduled for several hours in the early afternoon of July 3 to allow for aerial rehearsals, and no flights after noon on July 4 for celebratory aerial performances and fireworks.
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Hours before the show, Richie shared behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram from rehearsal and the sound check.
Noun
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World leaders are expressing their condolences today and pledging support through aid, search and rescue assistance and military equipment.
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The contingent included doctors, nurses and search-and-rescue teams.
Cite this Entry
“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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