Thesaurus results for SHAKE DOWN

shake down 1 of 2

verb

Definition of shake down

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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shakedown

2 of 2

noun

as in bunk

Related Words

as in test

Related Words

as in reconnaissance

Related 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 down

Verb

Federal prosecutors, however, are alleging a complex plot to not only shake down Edens but also to hide evidence from the FBI. — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 This brainstorm is aimed at shaking down travel booking platforms. — Susan Shelley, Daily News, 13 May 2026

Noun

Implied in the shakedown of Meta is that before Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, life for teens and those adjacent to that age range was of a blissful nature. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 The submarine then spent several months in shakedown operations, testing, and evaluation to check its systems and performance. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shake down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shake down

Verb

For example, if a model figures out a way to cheat to win a game, but the human running the training doesn’t spot the cheating, then the model will learn to cheat.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
The move, orchestrated by Everett to satisfy the demands of the company’s top-dollar backers, cheats Michael out of his stock options and equity in the company.

— Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of cheat

Noun

The well-size main bedroom has leafy views and another decorative fireplace, although the person doing the listing’s photos has oddly chosen to hide it behind a bed; the second bedroom can easily handle a bunk-bed situation plus a sideboard.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Oct. 2026
The 19th century is long gone; phrenology is and was always bunk—so what lesson can the specimens teach me?

— Daniel Barnum, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of bunk

Noun

Japan's Self-Defense Force has introduced its first long-range Type-25 land-to-ship missile to Yonaguni during the drill, though no test-firing is planned.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
Whether this broader metabolic shift can improve psychiatric symptoms is now being put to the test.

— Rowan Jacobsen, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of test

Noun

The reconnaissance of Phobos by MMX could also help future mission planners consider whether the moon is a suitable location for human exploration, perhaps as a stopover between Earth and Mars, Kawakatsu said.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026
Then, a friend told her about Holy Family in Springfield, which prompted her reconnaissance mission.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of reconnaissance

Verb

Meta squeezes two independent light-guiding cores into a single standard glass strand to double its bandwidth.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2026
Fuel expenses are squeezing daily household budgets and tightening cash flow toward the end of the month, with reports indicating a growing number of French employees are requesting payroll advances to manage month end expenses.

— , CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of squeeze

Noun

The exterior is well equipped for leisurely days—including a shaded hammock, large deck, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs beneath a string of bistro lights.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026
Its campsites are shaded by tall pine trees, ideal for hanging a hammock.

— Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of hammock

Noun

Bishop Martha Mary Sherman, left, carries a crucifix and stand while priests Linda Wilcox, center, and Mary Smith carry other items for a rehearsal for Annie Girresch’s ordination.

— Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
To prepare for the performance, Okatsuka studied the choreography at home before meeting with the Rams cheerleaders to run the routine at their weekly rehearsals.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehearsal

Noun

On Monday, the soldiers were still missing, leading to an aggressive search by angry gang-force soldiers who busted the gate of a local business searching for gang members and flew over the area in helicopters.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Abiy’s search for alternatives has also heightened tensions with Somalia.

— KHALED KAZZIHA, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of search

Browse Nearby Words

shake a leg

shake down

shakedown

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Style

“Shake down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shake%20down. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of shake down

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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